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. 2021 Jul;29(7):3981-3989.
doi: 10.1007/s00520-020-05959-z. Epub 2021 Jan 3.

Oncologist conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care: challenges and definitions

Anat Laronne  1 , Leeat Granek  2 , Lori Wiener  3 , Paula Feder-Bubis  4 , Hana Golan  5   6
Affiliations

Oncologist conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care: challenges and definitions

Anat Laronne et al. Support Care Cancer. 2021 Jul.

Abstract

Purpose: Pediatric palliative care (PC) is an evolving field and involves a comprehensive approach to care of children with cancer. The goal of this paper was to explore how pediatric oncologists define, interpret, and practice pediatric palliative care in their clinical settings.

Methods: The study used the grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Twenty-one pediatric oncologists from six pediatric cancer centers across Israel were interviewed. Data was analyzed using line-by-line coding.

Results: The analysis resulted in a four-tiered conceptual model. This model included the following categories: (1) ill-defined concept; (2) philosophies of palliative care; (3) trajectory of palliative care; and (4) palliative care treatment goals.

Conclusion: The findings illustrate the current conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care among the pediatric oncology community in Israel. The conceptual model documents their understanding of pediatric palliative care as a philosophical approach and the challenges they face in differentiating between palliative care and standard pediatric oncology care. Pediatric palliative care is a highly needed and valued sub-specialty. The findings from this study highlight the importance for its continued development in Israel, as it can reduce the suffering of children and their families. Concurrently, pediatric oncologists need to have more resources and access to explicit knowledge of the conceptual and practical aspects of both primary and specialized pediatric palliative care.

Keywords: Cancer; Oncology; Palliative care; Pediatric oncology; Qualitative research.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1. Understanding of pediatric palliative care conceptual model: Tiers and themes
*pptx graphic. Black and white graphic.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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