Quality of life during palliative care

Abstract

This chapter will explore the expertise, principles and value of Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) as it applies to quality of life (QOL) in childhood survivorship of cancer and other life limiting diseases. As described by the American Academy of Pediatrics, the goal of Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC) is to improve quality of life. The relief and prevention of suffering and enhancing quality of life along the illness trajectory for the children and their families is the primary purpose of PPC. In the course of developing plans of treatment for each category and stage of illness, PPC has emerged in response to the continued demand for improvements in the care and support of children and their families facing these life limiting and life threatening illnesses. With the cancer survivor, given the risk of relapse or onset of second cancers, cardiomyopathy, renal dysfunctions, musculoskeletal problems, and the addition of psychosocial needs, the expertise of Pediatric Palliative care is increasingly applicable.