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. 2007 Sep;8(3):212-219.
doi: 10.1016/j.cpem.2007.06.006.

Pediatric End-of-Life Issues and Palliative Care

Kelly Nicole Michelson  1 , David M Steinhorn
Affiliations

Pediatric End-of-Life Issues and Palliative Care

Kelly Nicole Michelson et al. Clin Pediatr Emerg Med. 2007 Sep.

Abstract

Optimizing the quality of medical care at the end of life has achieved national status as an important health care goal. Palliative care, a comprehensive approach to treating the physical, psychosocial and spiritual needs of patients and their families facing life-limiting illnesses, requires the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary group of caregivers. Understanding the basic principles of palliative care can aid emergency department staff in identifying patients who could benefit from palliative care services and in managing the challenging situations that arise when such patients present to the hospital for care.In this article we present the overall philosophy of pediatric palliative care, describe key elements of quality palliative care, and identify additional referral sources readers can access for more information.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Models of Palliative Care
Adapted from (5)
Figure 2
Figure 2. Theoretical Trajectories of Dying
Adapted from (17)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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    1. Emergency Nurses Association. Position statement: end-of-life care in the emergency department. [Accessed March 15, 2007]. Available at: http://www.ena.org/about/position/PDFs/End-of-LifeCare.PDF.
    1. Feudtner C, Connor SR. Epidemiology and health services research. In: Carter BS, Levetown M, editors. Palliative care for infants, children, and adolescents: a practical handbook. Baltimore, MD: The Johns Hopkins University Press; 2004. pp. 3–22.

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