( HS Jump 078902 2024) Navigating Pediatric Palliative Care with Empathetic Communication, A Balance Between Hope and Honest

Course overview

Pediatric palliative care is integral to the care of pediatric patients with complex and serious medical illness. An interdisciplinary approach is required to maximize quality of life and ensure that the care provided aligns with the goals and values of patients and their families. Often, medical providers shy away from involving palliative care early during illness due to palliative care labeling as giving up or stopping care. However, literature has show that often with proper education about the scope and practice of palliative care, more patients and families want to know about palliative care even when learning that palliative care also includes death and dying. The development of communication that enables providers to better explore patient and family goals and values, often shapes conversations into shared decision making that fosters trust. In learning how patients and families make decisions, not only can we partner with them to make difficult medical decisions, but we can also give medical recommendations in the face of prognostic uncertainty. Ultimately, palliative care is appropriate for any child with serious illness and their family.