Advance care plans in paediatric oncology

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Advance Care Plans (ACP) are finding widespread application within paediatric and adult palliative care, but with variable success in their uptake within paediatric hospitals and hospices. Demonstrable benefits included maintaining communication between clinicians and dying children and their parents, as well providing opportunities for discourse as the child’s symptoms and journey evolve. The aim of this study was to explore published research describing barriers to delivering ACP in the paediatric oncology setting. Design/Methods: The NHS evidence was used to search the cinahl embase medicine and psychinfo using predetermined search terms. Results: Articles were included if they were English, paediatric data, and related to children dying. Discussion: ACP have proven benefit improving discussions around end of life care in children dying from cancer. Further research is needed to fully understand if these can impact upon improved standards of clinical and outcomes for patients. Significant barriers remain in place to their widespread application in the clinical environment and their remains a responsibility for all clinicians and health care professionals to explore and eliminate them in their own institutions.