Summary of the Key Concepts on How to Develop a Perinatal Palliative Care Program

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Intensive Care
• Perinatal Medicine
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Advancements in perinatal diagnostics and technology enable earlier identification of fetal conditions.
• Improved viability thresholds raise ethical considerations regarding quality of life and family-centered decision-making.
• Perinatal palliative care (PnPC) has evolved since the 1980s, with formal pathway recommendations emerging in the early 2000s.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate significant Perinatal Palliative Care (PnPC) development projects in scientific literature.
• To synthesize the core principles guiding successful PnPC program implementation.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of position statements and guidelines on PnPC published over the last two decades.
• Inclusion of relevant pediatric palliative care literature for fundamental concepts.

Main Results:

• PnPC is an emerging approach in neonatal intensive care, addressing complex ethical and care needs.
• Key components of PnPC programs include prenatal consultations, coordinated birth planning, and interdisciplinary team involvement.
• Emphasis on comfort care and psychosocial/spiritual support throughout the perinatal continuum.

Conclusions:

• Healthcare providers and institutions should prioritize the development of PnPC programs.
• PnPC programs are crucial for optimizing the quality of life for infants with life-limiting conditions.
• Comprehensive PnPC models integrate medical, ethical, and psychosocial support for families and staff.