What is palliative care?
Palliative care is comprehensive treatment of the discomfort, symptoms and stress of serious illness. The National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR), developed the Palliative Care: Conversations Matter ® campaign to increase the use of palliative care for children and teens living with serious illnesses.
Text Transcript from the Infographic:
Support for Children with Serious Illnesses and their Families
PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE IS....FOR PATIENTS
The main goal of palliative care is improving quality of life for children and their families.
- Care can begin at ANY STAGE of illness
- Can provide SYMPTOM RELIEF and emotional support
- Provided ALONGSIDE not instead of other treatments
PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE IS....FOR FAMILIES
Serious illnesses affect the entire family and palliative care can help support everyone.
- It’s a PARTNERSHIP between a family and palliative care team
- Respects family CULTURE and BELIEFS
- Care is CUSTOMIZED to meet family needs and preferences
PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE CARE IS....FOR PROFESSIONALS
Palliative care adds a layer of support to the team of providers and informal caregivers.
- Teams may INCLUDE nurses, doctors, child life specialists, chaplains, counselors, nutritionists, and therapists
- Emphasis on COMMUNICATION and coordination
- Care can be provided in HOSPITALS, CLINICS, AND HOMES