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Empathic Communication in Pediatric Palliative Care: A Mixed-Methods Systematic Review
Aline Maria de Oliveira Rocha1, Giulia Medeiros Guidoni2, Expedita Angela Henrique3
1Pediatrics/ Pediatric Rheumatology/ Bioethics/ Palliative Care. Perdizes Institute, Clinics Hospital, University of São Paulo. Cotoxó Street, 1142, São Paulo Brazil..
Journal of Pain and Symptom Management
|July 31, 2026
Summary
Empathic communication in pediatric palliative care builds trust and understanding, improving bereavement outcomes for families. This review synthesizes evidence to inform clinical practice and interventions for better end-of-life care.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Palliative Care
- Communication Studies
- Psychosocial Outcomes
Background:
- Effective communication between healthcare providers and parents is crucial during a child's end-of-life care.
- A synthesis of empathic communication's impact on clinical and bereavement outcomes in pediatric palliative care is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize evidence on parent-provider empathic communication in pediatric palliative care.
- To develop a model explaining its role in symptom management and family bereavement.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods systematic review adhering to Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology.
- Searched multiple databases (PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, LILACS) for studies on parental experiences.
- Synthesized qualitative data via meta-aggregation and quantitative data via narrative synthesis.
Main Results:
- Fifty-four studies involving 3,567 participants were included.
- Empathic communication fosters trust, understanding, meaning-making, and prevents complicated grief.
- Better communication and continuity of care correlated with lower parental grief; late information increased unresolved grief risk.
Conclusions:
- Empathic communication in pediatric palliative care functions via specific psychosocial mechanisms.
- A proposed theoretical model offers a framework for clinical practice, education, and interventions.
Related Concept Videos
02:34Empathy
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01:15Techniques of therapeutic communication I: Active Listening, Sharing Observations, Validation, and Using Touch
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Therapeutic communication is not the same as social interaction. Social interaction has no goal or purpose and consists of casual information sharing, whereas therapeutic communication has a plan or purpose for the conversation. Therapeutic...
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01:27Ethical Issues
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Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
Ethical Concerns in Healthcare:
01:25Continuing Care
Continuing care describes the variety of health, personal, and social services provided over a prolonged period. The need for continuing care is increasing because people are living longer. Many people do not have families or others to care for them. Continuing care is mainly for patients who are disabled, functionally dependent, or suffering from a terminal disease. It is available within institutional settings or in homes. Examples include nursing centers or facilities, assisted living,...
01:23Techniques of Therapeutic Communication II: Focusing, Paraphrasing, and Summarizing
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01:30Therapeutic Communication
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Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
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