Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 25, 2025

Involving Individuals with Developmental Language Disorder and Their Parents/Carers in Research Priority Setting
Published on: June 6, 2020
Understanding pediatric palliative care within interdisciplinary palliative programs: a qualitative study
Patricia Rico-Mena1,2, Javier Güeita-Rodríguez3, Ricardo Martino-Alba4
1Department of Physiotherapy, Chiropody and Dance, Physical Therapy and Health Sciences Research Group, Universidad Europea de Madrid, C. Tajo, S/N, 28670 Villaviciosa de Odón, Madrid, Spain.
Pediatric palliative care is a distinct, life-affirming service for children with complex conditions. An interdisciplinary team approach is crucial for comprehensive care, enhancing communication and coordination for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Palliative Care
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- Pediatric palliative care (PPC) is essential for children with complex, life-threatening conditions.
- Understanding the delivery of PPC from multiple perspectives is vital for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the process of delivering pediatric palliative care.
- To capture the perspectives of both the pediatric interdisciplinary team and the children's parents.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative descriptive case study design.
- Purposeful sampling within a specialized pediatric palliative care unit in Madrid, Spain.
- Data collection through semi-structured interviews, focus groups, and field notes, followed by thematic analysis.
Main Results:
- Two key themes emerged: PPC has a unique identity focused on life and specialized care, often in the home environment.
- The interdisciplinary team is central, fostering a comprehensive view, communication, and coordination.
- Professionals develop specific skills in communication, decision-making, and adaptability.
Conclusions:
- Professional and parental perspectives inform realistic goals for pediatric palliative care.
- Establishing dedicated PPC teams is a necessary organizational change for healthcare systems.
- Recommendations include promoting training, horizontal organizations, enhanced communication, and case coordination.
Related Concept Videos
Continuing Care
Ethical Issues
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-I
Physicians
The physician's primary responsibility is to diagnose illness and direct the medical or surgical treatment of the condition. The authority to admit patients to a healthcare agency or institution and practice care within that setting is granted to physicians by the healthcare agency or institution...
Patient-centered Care
Interdisciplinary Care: The Health Care Team-II
Physical Therapist
A physical therapist (PT) aims to restore function or prevent additional impairment in a patient following an injury or disease. Massage, heat, cold, water, sonar waves, exercises, and electrical stimulation are some treatments used by PTs to treat...
Nursing Ethical Principles II
Consider the following scenario, which illustrates how these principles are applied in the care of Mr. John, a fifty-year-old teacher diagnosed with metastatic liver cancer.
Initially, Mr. John's...

