Open AccessPalliative care services in pediatric oncology
Author(s) -
Jessica L. Spruit,
Maryjo Prince-Paul
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
annals of palliative medicine
Language(s) - Uncategorized
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.546
H-Index - 19
eISSN - 2224-5839
pISSN - 2224-5820
DOI - 10.21037/apm.2018.05.04
Subject(s) - medicine , palliative care , pediatric oncology , disease , family medicine , intensive care medicine , cancer , population , medline , nursing , environmental health , political science , law
Pediatric cancer has experienced significant improvement in overall survival rates over the past several decades. Despite this progress, however, it remains the leading cause of death from disease beyond infancy in children. Among the children and adolescents that survive their cancer diagnosis, significant symptom burden and toxicities of therapy are often experienced. The evidence presented affords great insight in to the current empirical support for pediatric palliative care involvement, current utilization of palliative care services in the care of children with cancer and their families, and barriers that have been identified to date. Positive trends toward increased, appropriate integration of palliative care services in the care of children with cancer and their families have been observed. Continued research, advocacy, and education are necessary to optimize the care of this vulnerable population of patients and their families.