Policy Review and Recommendations: Palliative Care for Pediatric Patients in the United States of America

This research analysis focuses on palliative care approaches common within the United States and aims to show strengths, weaknesses, areas for improvement and research gaps to be closed by future studies. Ultimately, the end goal is to build a feasible, appropriate and actionable government policy proposal to ensure that all chronically ill Americans, in particular infants, children, and adolescents, receive the best care possible. This research involves briefly analyzing and assessing, using value theory and meta-ethical considerations, the unique palliative care systems in the United Kingdom, Canada and Belgium. The onion research paradigm and techniques provide the framework for this study. The research strongly suggests that the American palliative care system in general, and pediatric palliative care system in particular, are woefully lacking and in need of significant changes and improvements. Recommendations include: moving from a particular category consideration to a holistic approach that involves integrating many disciplines and family members into the treatment plans of adults and children alike; providing more robust and palliative-specific training programs; increasing funding for palliative care research, options, programs, education, and organizations; placing a stronger emphasis on networking with community spiritual, emotional, medical, and human resources; establishing units specifically designed to treat infants, children, and adolescents and catering to their and their families’ needs; and creating campaigns to ensure that all Americans are familiar with palliative care options.