Development and implementation of a pediatric palliative care program.
Palliative care, long-used in the adult setting, is new to the pediatric setting. Research indicates that palliative care reduces length of stay and use of aggressive end-of-life interventions, improves quality of life, and provides hope. It balances provision of coordinated care with building of family memories and preparation for the child's death with celebration of the child's life. We advocate implementation of pediatric palliative care in any hospital that cares for children. This article provides a model outlining critical steps and considerations for establishing a successful pediatric palliative care program.
St. Cloud Hospital, St. Cloud, MN, USA. pelantd@centracare.com
Diane
D
Pelant
Terri
T
McCaffrey
Jean
J
Beckel
D026683:Advisory Committees / Q000458:organization & administration; D002648:Child; D005544:Forecasting; D006295:Health Resources; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006776:Hospitals, Pediatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D017146:Models, Organizational; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010371:Pediatric Nursing / Q000193:education; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D016730:Program Development; D015397:Program Evaluation; D014481:United States