Oncologist conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care: challenges and definitions

Purpose Pediatric palliative care (PC) is an evolving field and involves a comprehensive approach to care of children with cancer. The goal of this paper was to explore how pediatric oncologists define, interpret, and practice pediatric palliative care in their clinical settings. Methods The study used the grounded theory approach to data collection and analysis. Twenty-one pediatric oncologists from six pediatric cancer centers across Israel were interviewed. Data was analyzed using line-by-line coding. Results The analysis resulted in a four-tiered conceptual model. This model included the following categories: (1) ill-defined concept; (2) philosophies of palliative care; (3) trajectory of palliative care; and (4) palliative care treatment goals. Conclusion The findings illustrate the current conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care among the pediatric oncology community in Israel. The conceptual model documents their understanding of pediatric palliative care as a philosophical approach and the challenges they face in differentiating between palliative care and standard pediatric oncology care. Pediatric palliative care is a highly needed and valued sub-specialty. The findings from this study highlight the importance for its continued development in Israel, as it can reduce the suffering of children and their families. Concurrently, pediatric oncologists need to have more resources and access to explicit knowledge of the conceptual and practical aspects of both primary and specialized pediatric palliative care.