Between life and death: case study of a child with an indication for palliative care

Objective: To promote reflection on the issues related to life and death that emerge from the experiences of family members and professionals in the care of a child with no possibility of disease-modifying treatments and a long period of hospitalization.Methodology: A single case study of a situation marked by irreversible neurological conditions incompatible with life, and prolonged hospitalization in a University Hospital, offering obstinate care and palliative care.Semi-structured interviews were conducted with professionals and life histories with family members.The statements were classified in an attempt to grasp the nuclei of meaning and from there the empirical categories were extracted.Results: Constructed report: Pandora, eight years old, victim of drowning when she was one year and six months old.She was hospitalized for approximately six years.Her death, despite being a natural fate, was for many a commotion.The following empirical categories were extracted from the analysis of the interviews: 1) Difficult acceptance of death in childhood, 2) Family reorganization, 3) Indication of palliative care, 4) Vicissitudes of work in the face of death. Conclusion:This case study showed that the decision making process at the end of life is surrounded by many dilemmas, which make its action in care something that deserves special attention and serious reflection.