Paediatrics and discomfort with death and dying

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Medicine
• Palliative Care
• Medical Education

Background:

• Children with life-limiting illnesses are living longer, increasing the frequency of death and dying in pediatric practice.
• There is a need to assess the comfort level of the pediatric specialty with death and dying.
• Residency training experiences with death and dying warrant reflection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reflect on pediatric residency training experiences concerning death and dying.
• To explore the pediatric specialty's potential discomfort with death.
• To emphasize the importance of end-of-life care competencies for future pediatricians.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative reflection on personal experiences during pediatric residency training.
• Discussion of the role of pediatric trainees in end-of-life care discussions and management.
• Analysis of the impact of anticipatory guidance on patient care.

Main Results:

• Pediatric trainees should be actively involved in discussions about disease trajectories and end-of-life care.
• Anticipatory guidance is crucial for personalized care and preventing patient suffering.
• Managing death and dying are essential competencies for all pediatricians, regardless of direct end-of-life presence.

Conclusions:

• Pediatric training programs must integrate comprehensive education on death and dying.
• Current pediatricians should examine their own comfort levels with death to ensure optimal patient care.
• Developing expertise in managing death and dying is vital for the evolving field of pediatrics.