Exploring critical factors in pediatric palliative care in Latin America: A scoping review

Abstract

This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of the current landscape of pediatric palliative care in Latin America, including policies, regulations, available resources, challenges, barriers, and evidence-based recommendations. We conducted a comprehensive search for peer-reviewed articles related to pediatric palliative care in Latin America, considering both review and empirical articles published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish within the last decade. Our review initially identified 30 publications, which were subjected to a full-text assessment. The majority of these articles originated from Brazil, Mexico, and Chile, highlighting a regional concentration of research efforts. Notably, we observed a scarcity of comprehensive research and specific studies on pediatric palliative care in Latin America. Our findings revealed significant challenges, including resource limitations, the absence of dedicated policies, and the critical need for interdisciplinary teams to address the multifaceted aspects of pediatric palliative care. In light of our review, we emphasise the necessity for more extensive and representative research efforts, as well as the continuous updating of scientific evidence in the field of pediatric palliative care within the Latin American context. The recommendations derived from this review aim to contribute to the enhancement of pediatric palliative care services and accessibility throughout Latin America.