What is the primary focus of pediatric palliative care?

The primary focus of pediatric palliative care is to improve quality of life and manage symptoms for children facing serious illnesses. This approach prioritizes holistic support that includes not just medical interventions, but also emotional, social, and spiritual care. It aims to alleviate pain and other distressing symptoms, allowing the child and family to experience the best possible quality of life, regardless of the child’s stage of illness or age.

Furthermore, pediatric palliative care involves interdisciplinary collaboration to address the various needs of the child and family, providing support in navigating healthcare decisions and coping with the challenges associated with serious health conditions. This focus on quality of life distinguishes palliative care from curative treatment, which may prioritize extending life over the wellbeing of the child. Thus, the core principles align with supporting comfort and dignity rather than solely pursuing aggressive life-extending measures or solely emphasizing pharmaceutical solutions or medication research.