Pediatric hospital care for children with life-threatening illness and the role of palliative care.

Under increasing pressure to contain costs, hospitals are challenged to provide high-quality care to an increasingly complex group of children with life-threatening illness (LTI) that often worsen over time. Pediatric palliative care is an essential component of optimal hospital care delivery for these children and their families. This article describes (1) the current landscape of pediatric hospital care for children with LTI, (2) the connection between palliative care and hospital care for such children, and (3) the relationship between health care reform and palliative care for children with LTI.

Bogetz JF ，Ullrich CK ，Berry JG 《-》

Caring for children living with life-threatening illness: a growing relationship between pediatric hospital medicine and pediatric palliative care.

Ullrich CK ，Wolfe J 《-》

Transitions to and from the acute inpatient care setting for children with life-threatening illness.

Children with life-threatening illnesses (LTIs) are hospitalized more often and spend more days in the hospital than children without LTIs. Hospitalizations may be associated with changes in health status of children with LTIs and thus alter their care needs significantly. Transitional care is particularly relevant for this population. Pediatric palliative care clinicians and teams are well-positioned to improve transitional care of children with LTIs by facilitating communication between clinicians and educating clinicians about issues related to children with LTIs.

Nageswaran S ，Radulovic A ，Anania A 《-》

[Pediatric palliative care: a comprehensive model of care for children with life-threatening conditions and their families].

Salas Arrambide M ，Gabaldón Poc O ，Mayoral Miravete JL ，González Pérez-Yarza E ，Amayra Caro I ... -  《-》

Interdisciplinary care: using your team.

The interdisciplinary approach is a cornerstone of a well-functioning pediatric palliative care team. These teams are most often available as an inpatient consultation service, are composed of professionals representing multiple disciplines, and are used during the illness course of a child with life-threatening and chronic complex conditions, especially during challenging health care decision-making near end of life. This article reviews the current structure of the palliative care team, explores opportunities for inclusion of other vital team members, and proactively identifies the challenges that may occur when involving more providers in a child's and family's care.

Ogelby M ，Goldstein RD 《-》