End-of-life care for hospitalized children

Liza-Marie Johnson; Jennifer M Snaman; Margaret C Cupit; Justin N Baker

doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2014.04.012

End-of-life care for hospitalized children

Pediatr Clin North Am. 2014 Aug;61(4):835-54. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2014.04.012.

Authors

Liza-Marie Johnson¹, Jennifer M Snaman², Margaret C Cupit², Justin N Baker²

Affiliations

¹ St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 260, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. Electronic address: Liza.johnson@stjude.org.
² St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, MS 260, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.

PMID: 25084727
DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2014.04.012

Abstract

High-quality palliative care is the standard for children with life-threatening illness, especially when a cure is not possible. This review outlines a model for clinical practice that integrates clinical, psychosocial, and ethical concerns at the end of life (EOL) into a standard operating procedure specifically focused on inpatient deaths. Palliative care for children at EOL in the hospital setting should encompass the personal, cultural, and spiritual needs of the child and family members and aim to minimize suffering and increase support for all who are involved, including hospital staff.

Keywords: Children; End-of-life care; Hospital; Palliative care.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Attitude to Death
Child
Child, Hospitalized / psychology*
Family / psychology*
Humans
Palliative Care / methods*
Patient Care Team*
Terminal Care / methods*
Terminal Care / psychology