Background
Palliative care for children is an innovative approach that helps improve the quality of life of children suffering from life-limiting illnesses, and their family members. The WHO recognized palliative care as a part of universal health coverage. However, there is inadequate availability and inequitable distribution of palliative care services for children in most parts of the world. We reviewed the existing literature to assess (i) the challenges in providing palliative care services for children suffering from life-limiting illnesses and (ii) the strategies or opportunities to overcome these challenges.
Methods
We conducted systematic searches in the PubMed and Scopus databases to find articles published in the past 10 years (January 2011 to December 2020). The population, concept and context (PCC) framework was used to devise a search strategy in an electronic database.
Results
A total of 1562 articles were found by searching the database and other sources. Title and abstracts of articles were screened, and 206 articles were selected for full-text review. After scrutiny 28 articles met the inclusion criteria. Barriers to and opportunities in the provision of palliative care services for children were identified at policy, organizational, healthcare provider, and patient/family levels.
Conclusion
We found that the majority of barriers to provision of palliative care services for children with life-limiting illnesses can be addressed by adopting research-driven strategies. Adequate and equitable distribution of palliative care services is required for improving children and their family members’ quality of life.
Introduction Palliative care of children (PCC) is a philosophical and a structured approach to providing tailored care to children with life-threatening diseases. Understanding the role of nurses and empowering them to take up the role of palliative care nurse are imperative to strengthen these services and make the palliative care services more accessible to the patients.
Method The literature search was done in two database, PubMed and Scopus, using keyword and Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms such as children, palliative care, end of life, hospice, bereavement, and nursing. Records were screened by authors and relevant articles were included in the review.
Discussion PCC should start with the diagnosis of the illness continue through all the phases of illness. Bereavement support to the family is also a part of palliative care. Nurses are in a key position to play important role in the PCC team. Nurses play various roles such as direct care provider, communicator, patient advocate, respite nurse, and counselor.
Conclusion PCC is aimed to improve the quality of life of the child and family. It is crucial to achieving universal health coverage. Role of nurse is vital in providing PCC.
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