Primary palliative care: Skills for all clinicians

Abstract

The number of children with life-threatening and life-limiting conditions is increasing, requiring an individualized approach and additional supportive care. The American Academy of Pediatrics has called for pediatric palliative care to be available to all children who would benefit.^1,2 High quality pediatric palliative care is essential for these children. Collaborative team-based methods focused on improving quality of life have shown to improve outcomes in physical, emotional, and cognitive domains.³ Palliative care involvement at the time of diagnosis rather than just at the end of life has moved coordinated care upstream. All clinicians can and should deliver palliative care. The Joint Commission recommends having patient-centered palliative care services available for children, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is reimbursing clinicians for this coordinated care. This article details how all pediatric clinicians can positively influence the care of seriously ill children by incorporating palliative care principles into their daily care, resulting in better outcomes for their patients and families.