Pediatric Palliative Care in the Perioperative Period

Abstract

Purpose of Review: The purpose of this review is to familiarize anesthesiologists with the role of the subspecialty of pediatric palliative care and its potential contributions to the management of children with complex and life-threatening illnesses, many of whom may present for operative or diagnostic procedures requiring anesthesia. Recent Findings: Recent publications highlight the benefits of palliative care to patients and families experiencing a wide variety of conditions along the continuum from prenatal application to the management of young adults. Retrospective reports highlight improved quality of life, improved symptom control, an impact on place of care, and an increased rate of achieving the preferred place of death. Summary: Pediatric palliative care is a relatively new subspecialty of pediatrics which utilizes an interdisciplinary team approach to support patients and their families undergoing treatment for life-threatening or life-limiting conditions, addressing physical, emotional, and psychological needs to care for the whole patient.