How is palliative care different in paediatrics?
How is palliative care different in children ?
- Different spectrum of illness
- Smaller, more varied patient population
- Parents are generally more involved as care-givers and decision-makers
- Developmental factors influence the child’s understanding of illness and death, as well as their ability to communicate and participate in decision-making
- Different physiology and pharmacokinetics
- The paediatrician has often developed a very close relationship with the child and family and wishes to remain involved
- Sibling and extended family needs
- Grief in parents is more likely to be severe, prolonged and complicated
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