Palliative Care and Population Management: Utilization of Palliative Care in Pediatric Critical Care Nursing

Abstract

Historically, the goal of care in a pediatric or neonatal intensive care unit was to do everything medically possible to cure illness or prolong life. When curative therapies were no longer appropriate, the approach was to turn to end-of-life care. Currently, some children are surviving illnesses that formerly resulted in death or significant disability. Their lives may be viewed as lacking in quality. A palliative care approach can be used in select pediatric populations to improve quality of life, clarify treatment decisions to be aligned with the child’s goals and values, and minimize suffering.