Chronic Kidney Disease Takes, Palliative Care Gives: What a Pediatric Nephrologist Needs to Know about Palliative Care

We describe palliative care (PC) and its role in pediatric nephrology practice, debunk common misconceptions about PC, and offer examples of routine integration to meet the needs of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their families.

PC is underutilized among children with CKD, and a variety of barriers may contribute. Subsequently, children with CKD and their families are missing out on the potential benefits of PC integration.

Pediatric nephrologists are committed to providing holistic, family-centered care to children with CKD and their families. Yet, actualizing this mission can be difficult. Children with CKD and their families encounter significant burdens associated with their illness, placing them at risk for considerable suffering. The course of CKD is also fraught with uncertainty and characterized by influential and complex decision-making. Integrating PC within routine nephrology care offers a way for nephrologists and interdisciplinary team members to best address these challenges.