Introduction to palliative care for children

World Health Organization (WHO), 2018

Paediatric palliative care is a holistic approach to caring for children with a life-limiting illness, which aims to enhance the quality of life for the child and provide support to the child’s family. Paediatric palliative care is often provided alongside curative or disease-modifying treatment.

Many of the principles and the philosophy of adult palliative care also apply to children—see Overview of palliative care. Issues specific to paediatric palliative care are considered in this topic.

The principles of supporting healthcare professionals working in paediatric palliative care are similar to those for healthcare professionals who care for adults; see Healthcare professional wellbeing in palliative care.