Issues related to providing quality pediatric palliative care in the community.

ABSTRACT

The medical practitioner in the community is in a unique position to assist children and their families from the time of diagnosis with a life-threatening condition through to the end of life. The purpose of this article is to inform medical practitioners who care for children with complex, chronic, and life-limiting conditions about pediatric palliative care in the community. It is intended as a guide to improve understanding about (1) the misconceptions and barriers surrounding the provision of care in the community for children with chronic, complex, and life-limiting conditions; (2) the availability of services for care in the community; (3) challenges concerning out-of hospital do-not-attempt-resuscitation orders for children; and (4) reimbursement issues that impact the provision of care.