Facilitating the care of terminally ill children

Life-threatening illness is fortunately rare in children. Some children, however, will need palliative care for symptom control; psychological support may be needed by the child and the child's family; and families may require help with decision about life-prolonging treatment. Providing consistent high-quality care for relatively uncommon problem is difficult. Adult palliative care services, liaising with pediatricians can help provide this care. (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 1996.