Psychologists as Pivotal Members of the Pediatric Palliative Care Team

Abstract

Context: Pediatric psychologists possess unique expertise to positively impact the care provided to children with serious illness and their families. Despite increasing recognition regarding the value of psychology in palliative care, psychologists are not yet routinely integrated into pediatric palliative care (PPC) teams.

Objectives: This special paper seeks to demonstrate distinctive contributions psychologists can offer to PPC teams, patients, and families, as well as highlight how psychologists enhance the work of their interdisciplinary PPC colleagues.

Methods: Existing literature, consensus and policy statements, and recently developed competencies inform and provide evidence for the value of incorporating psychologists into PPC.

Results: As children with serious illness are at risk for mental and physical health symptoms, psychologists' specialized training in evidence-based assessment and intervention allows them to assess areas of concern, create treatment plans, and implement nonpharmacological therapies targeting symptom management and promotion of quality of life. By improving patient and family outcomes, psychology involvement saves money. In addition to clinical care, psychologists are skilled researchers, which can help to advance PPC interdisciplinary research. Lastly, psychologists can play a valuable role in contributing to PPC team education, dynamics, and well-being.

Conclusions: With strong skills in research, clinical care, education, and advocacy, pediatric psychologists are exceptionally equipped to provide care to children with serious illness and their families. Given their unique contributions, it is critical future efforts are directed towards advocating for the inclusion of psychologists into PPC, with the ultimate goal of improving care for children with serious illness and their families.

Keywords: Competencies; Interprofessional; Pediatric palliative care; Psychologist; Psychology.