[Terminal care at home].
When the fact that a cure is not now possible has been agreed by parents, treatment should focus on palliation. It may be better for families and patients to choose to give up second line or experimental therapy while the child is still relatively free from symptoms. Many families want to return to as normal life as possible. Pediatric oncology departments should do their best to support the patients and families under those circumstances. Our hospital has our own visiting nurse team. They are really a big help for the declining children who want to stay and die at home. Symptom management is essential. Pain should be managed after adequate diagnosis with analgesics, palliative radiation and chemotherapy. Emotional support for the child, parents, and siblings is also a critical part of terminal care.
Hosoya
R
R
Department of Pediatrics, St. Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
D002648:Child; D018575:Home Care Services, Hospital-Based; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D010166:Palliative Care; D013727:Terminal Care