Pediatric Palliative care is specialized medical care for individuals living with a serious illness. Palliative care concentrates on providing relief from the indications and stress of the illness. The goal is to progress the quality of life for both the child and the family.

The team works together with the child’s other doctors as an additional layer of support. Palliative care is appropriate at any age and at any stage of an illness, and it can be provided along with treatment meant to cure.

Pediatric palliative care addresses serious medical conditions, including genetic disorders, cancer, prematurity, neurologic disorders, heart and lung conditions, and others.

Benefits of Pediatric Palliative Care

Pediatric palliative care can help any child suffering from a serious illness. Pediatric palliative care specialists focus on child behaviors and how your child’s illness and treatment affect the entire family.

Working together with the primary doctor, the palliative care team provides an extra layer of support through:

• Expert treatment of symptoms, including stress
• Communication and guidance for difficult and complex treatment choices
• Close communication and coordination with all other doctors and medical teams
• Support for the family and the siblings

It is important to remember that blending palliative care with curative treatment is essential for providing child and family with the most complete medical care possible.