[Specialised palliative care for children and adolescents and their families]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Palliative Care
• Child Health Services
• End-of-Life Care

Background:

• Palliative care for children in Denmark is an developing field.
• Children with life-limiting diagnoses experience a high prevalence of symptoms and problems, particularly in the last month of life.
• Psychological distress significantly impacts suffering in these children.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current state of pediatric palliative care in Denmark.
• To identify unmet needs in treatment and support for children and their families.
• To highlight areas for improvement in pediatric palliative care.

Main Methods:

• This study is a review of existing literature and data on pediatric palliative care in Denmark.
• Analysis of prevalence of symptoms and psychological distress in children nearing end-of-life.
• Assessment of needs expressed by bereaved parents.

Main Results:

• Children with life-limiting diagnoses face substantial symptom burden and psychological distress.
• Bereaved parents report unmet needs for treatment and support during and after their child's illness.
• The field of pediatric palliative care in Denmark requires further development.

Conclusions:

• There is a critical need to strengthen clinical interventions, education, and research in pediatric palliative care.
• Improving care requires a comprehensive approach addressing the physical, psychological, and social needs of children and their families.
• Enhanced focus on pediatric palliative care is essential to improve the quality of life and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Denmark.