What is Pediatric Palliative Care Patient/Family
What is Pediatric Palliative Care?
Pediatric Palliative care offers support and treatment to improve your child’s quality of life. Our goal is to promote healing, comfort, and joy for children with life-threatening or life limiting illnesses.
Who is Pediatric Palliative Care?
Our team works with your child’s bedside nurse. We are made up of:
• Doctors
• A Nurse Practitioner
• A Social Worker
• A Chaplain
• A Health Psychologist
• A Child Life Specialist
How is Pediatric Palliative Care different from Hospice?
Pediatric Palliative care is often given while doctors are working to cure or give long-term relief. It has no time limits. Hospice works to comfort children nearing the end of life or who are expected to live less than 6 months.
Is My Child Eligible?
Any child with a condition that may threaten or limit their lifespan can get Pediatric Palliative care services. These may include:
• Advanced or Progressive Cancer
• Cystic Fibrosis
• Neuromuscular/Neurodegenerative diseases
• Life limiting genetic conditions
• Non-transplantable organ failure
• Children with traumatic injuries
What Services do we Offer?
Your child’s doctor will manage all of your child’s cares. We work with your child’s health care team to offer support and guidance based on his needs. We focus on treatments to manage pain and give comfort. Below is a list of other services we offer:
• Advanced Care Planning
• Goal Setting
• Quality of Life Indicators
• Decision Making
Are there Limits to our Services?
No. Your child can be seen by our team until he no longer needs us. Our goal is to improve your child’s quality of life for as long as you need us.
Will you see us after my Child Goes Home?
Yes. We will see you and your family in clinic as needed.. We will work with you and your family for all future stays in the hospital. We will also provide follow up care if your child dies.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 10/30/2012
Copyright © 10/30/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7285
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