BMC Palliative Care has published this Collection describing existing gaps and achievements in pediatric palliative care. Pediatric palliative care is an emerging subspecialty focusing on the enhancement of quality of life for the child and support for the whole family, from diagnosis throughout the disease trajectory to death and bereavement. According to the World Health Organization, the number of children – neonates, infants, children, and adolescents up to 19 years of age – who need pediatric palliative care each year may be as high as 21 million, and access to palliative care for children has been defined as an “ethical responsibility of health systems.” It includes the management of distressing symptoms, spiritual and psychosocial issues, and the provision of respite care.
In recognition of this relevant field, BMC Palliative Care has published this Collection which encouraged submissions including but not limited to those addressing:
● Advances in pharmacological and non-pharmacological symptom management
● Improvement in shared decision-making and Advance care planning
● Bereavement care
● Education and training in pediatric palliative care across disciplines and specialties
● Support measures to reduce the emotional and psycho-social distress for parents, family members, and involved healthcare professionals
● Interventions to improve the well-being of the entire family
● Pediatric palliative care integration within the healthcare systems
● Barriers and facilitators to pediatric palliative care
● Perinatal and Neonatal palliative care
● Practice of palliative sedation
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