Addressing 10 Myths About Pediatric Palliative Care

Abstract

With advances in biomedical sciences, a growing number of conditions affecting children have evolved from being considered life-limiting to almost chronic diseases. However, improvements in survival rates often come at a cost of increased medical complexity and lengthy hospitalizations, which can be associated with a poorer quality of life. This is where pediatric palliative care (PPC) can play a significant role. PPC is a specialty of healthcare that focuses on the prevention and relief of suffering in children with serious conditions. Unfortunately, despite the well-identified need for PPC services across pediatric specialties, multiple misconceptions persist. Common myths about palliative care are identified and deconstructed in light of the most recent evidenced-based references in the field to provide guidance to healthcare providers to address these. PPC is often associated with end-of-life care, loss of hope, and cancer. Some healthcare providers and parents also believe that information like diagnosis should be withheld from children for their emotional protection. These examples of misconceptions hinder the integration of pediatric palliative care and its additional layer of support and clinical expertise. PPC providers have advanced communication skills, are able to instill hope in the face of uncertainty, are trained to initiate and implement individualized pain and symptom management plans, and understand how to improve the quality of life in children with serious illnesses. Improved awareness about the scope of PPC is needed to ensure that children benefit from the maximum expertise and support throughout their complex health trajectories.