Pediatric palliative care in Brazil : reflections on end of life based on geographic mapping

Article

LUIZ FERREIRA, Esther Angélica | SAITO, Leandro | SARRACINI, Maycon Rodrigo | BRUNO, Cristina Helena | MATTOS, Augustus Relo | ORTIZ SOBRINHO VALETE, Cristina | BEZERRA DE MENEZES REIFF, Rodrigo

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, a country of continental dimensions, the lack of services in the different regions is a major barrier that prevents patients from accessing Pediatric Palliative Care (PPC). If accessing PPC is already challenging, end-of-life care for these patients may also be difficult. Therefore, this study is based on a recent mapping effort, aimed at reflecting on the end-of-life care for children in Palliative Care in Brazil. METHOD: Descriptive, cross-sectional study, and online survey research, based on a larger study of Palliative Care Network. RESULTS: The final sample comprised 90 Pediatric Palliative Care services, which proved to be unevenly distributed across the country. Many services lack a minimum team, 40% face difficulties accessing opioids, and one-third do not provide bereavement care. DISCUSSION: There should be more services with better distribution across the country, and a minimum team should be required to provide adequate care for children and adolescents. Strategies to improve symptom control and grief support should be introduced. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that continuing education and the inclusion of relevant topics in health courses are necessary. Additionally, health service managers must expand their focus to address these issues effectively.

http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s43999-024-00054-w

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