Pediatric palliative and end‐of‐life care: Developmental and spiritual issues of dying children

Abstract Working with children at the end of life is full of witnessing the absolute strength of the human spirit and the irrepressible joy of children. It is also one of the most profoundly painful clinical experiences a social worker is likely to confront. It is full of hope and despair, belief and fear, compassion and sadness. Pediatric palliative care is vital work that requires a distinct set of clinical skills. This paper will address both the necessary skills and the intense emotions associated with this work. It will also focus on the developmental and spiritual issues of children. Notes The authors work in two distinct and different settings. One author works on a northeastern pediatric oncology and palliative care team serving both rural and urban families. The other works in a southern hospice home care program serving both rural and urban families. The settings represent a variety of cultural and ethnic groups. Despite the differences in locale, both authors face the challenges of providing care to pediatric patients and their families on a daily basis.