Enhancing Quality of Life in Pediatric Palliative Care: Insights, Challenges, and Future Directions—A Systematic Review

Abstract

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) programs are essential in encompassing not only the affected children but also their family system and the healthcare and educational professionals involved. Despite the field’s significance, there is a notable scarcity in current literature, which underscores the pressing need for further research into the attributes of PPC programs that effectively enhance the quality of life (QoL) for pediatric patients. This study particularly emphasizes the pivotal role of schools as key community resources within this framework, highlighting the crucial aspect of educational integration in PPC. Through a systematic review of relevant literature and applying stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified pertinent studies across various databases. Of these, 30 articles met our criteria and were subject to a thorough qualitative analysis. Our findings indicate that while PPC programs may vary in their methodologies, they consistently share certain core elements that significantly boost the QoL for pediatric patients. These include a holistic approach that addresses the physical, emotional, psychosocial, and spiritual facets of care; encourages the active involvement of the patient in decision-making processes; and ensures timely access to PPC services. Importantly, our analysis identified the critical role of educational settings in enhancing QoL, shedding light on the vital need for educational inclusion and the integration of schools into the broader spectrum of PPC services. The distinct individual perceptions of QoL and the varied international practices in PPC underscore the imperative to tailor successful strategies to specific local contexts, thereby fostering the global well-being of pediatric palliative care patients.