As defined by the World Health Organization
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Children are born every day with birth defects, genetic disorders and other life-threatening abnormalities.
While CHOP strives
to solve every health issue it faces, there
are cases in which medical treatment is no longer an option.
It is at this point
that Palliative Care becomes absolutely essential.
The Palliative Care Unit at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for terminally ill children. They truly realize the difference that compassionate and comprehensive
palliative care can make in the life of a terminally ill child.
What they provide:
• Specialized services to children with
life-threatening illnesses
• Aide for family members and loved ones
who face difficult decisions
• Support to maintain physical comfort
and reduce emotional stress
The Palliative Care team’s efforts are fully devoted to providing specialized care to ensure that patients are as comfortable as possible, and that their families receive the compassionate support and guidance they need to cope with such a difficult experience. Palliative Care’s ultimate goal is the to give the child and their loved ones the best quality of life possible in their remaining time together.
Methods of Palliative Care treatment:
• Pain management
• Symptom control
• Spiritual and psychological support
(as well as for family and friends)
What this means for children and families treated at CHOP is a specialized team approach consisting of medical expertise in pain and symptom management, care coordination, and psychosocial and spiritual support.
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At CHOP, they provide a team approach to Palliative Care. Their Pediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) perform a wide range of duties to ensure that every aspect of a child’s physical, mental, and spiritual health are taken care of at any moment. They have the utmost respect and dignity for each child, and understand the tremendous decisions that their loved ones face.
PACT helps families and healthcare providers:
• Define goals of treatment
• Develop strategies to manage symptoms
• Provide spiritual support services
• Offer recommendations regarding home care with nursing or hospice agencies |
