The Family Perspective in Pediatric Palliative Care: Challenges and Support Strategies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55892/jrg.v8i19.2657Keywords:
palliative care, child, family, pediatric intensive care unitAbstract
Introduction: Palliative care is a multidisciplinary approach that aims to improve the quality of life of family members and patients with chronic or life-threatening illnesses. In the pediatric setting, there are difficulties related to ethical, emotional, and communication issues. Families with collaborative support tend to better understand the child in finitude and promote authentic care. Objective: to discuss the importance of palliative care for families of children in pediatric ICUs. Methodology: a systematic literature review was conducted using the PICO method (Acronym for Patient, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) with the guiding question: “What is the importance of palliative care for families of children in the pediatric ICU?” In it, we observe the P: families of children in the pediatric ICU; I: Pediatric palliative care; C: Not applicable; O: Importance of palliative care. The inclusion criteria were articles in English and Portuguese (2017-2024) on the researched topic and available in full. Duplicate studies, theses, and books were excluded. The databases BVS, SciELO, PubMed, EbscoHost, and Google Scholar were used, with the descriptors: pediatric palliative care, palliative care, family, importance, pediatric ICU, and equivalent terms in English. After screening, 23 articles comprised the final analysis. Results: Pediatric palliative care (PPC) aims to promote care for patients and their families by assisting in the grieving process. In pediatric ICUs, where severe cases predominate, support should cover the period of illness, death, and post-death. Multidisciplinary support contributes to therapeutic clarity, reducing fragmentation of care. As many decisions are made by family members, PPC reduces stress and anxiety. However, lack of knowledge about its correct use compromises its effectiveness. Conclusion: Such measures are important for family members and caregivers of children in PICUs, as they reduce emotional disturbances in pre- and post-grief and favor decision-making capacity.
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