WHO Definition of Palliative Care for Children
Palliative care for children represents a special, albeit closely related field to adult palliative care. WHO’s definition of palliative care appropriate for children and their families is as follows; the principles apply to other paediatric chronic disorders (WHO; 1998a):
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Palliative care for children is the active total care of the child’s body, mind and spirit, and also involves giving support to the family.
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It begins when illness is diagnosed, and continues regardless of whether or not a child receives treatment directed at the disease.
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Health providers must evaluate and alleviate a child’s physical, psychological, and social distress.
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Effective palliative care requires a broad multidisciplinary approach that includes the family and makes use of available community resources; it can be successfully implemented even if resources are limited.
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It can be provided in tertiary care facilities, in community health centres and even in children’s homes.
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