Accessing Pediatric Palliative Care
摘要
Although access to pediatric palliative care (PPC) has expanded significantly since its conception, there exist individual and institutional barriers to its equitable access. Inpatient PPC is provided predominantly in large academic centers in urban areas and constitutes a large portion of PPC delivery. Inpatient PPC is provided by an interdisciplinary team; its availability is considered a benchmark in providing high-quality care. Outpatient PPC can provide a variety of services and support to patients and families. Like inpatient PPC, outpatient PPC is most accessible in large academic centers in urban areas. Telehealth may act as a potential solution to several barriers to the accessibility of both inpatient and outpatient PPC and is currently utilized creatively to meet patient and family needs. PPC involvement is promotive of quality of life, symptom management, and goal-concordant care; as the barriers to this care are addressed, more children and families will be able to access it.