Pediatric End-of-Life Care focuses on providing compassionate, holistic and developmentally sensitive support to children with life-limiting or terminal illnesses. This specialised field integrates medical, emotional, social and spiritual care, ensuring that both the child and the family experience comfort, dignity and meaningful connection during the final stages of life. Children facing end-of-life situations may have conditions such as advanced cancer, severe congenital anomalies, progressive neurological disorders, metabolic diseases or irreversible organ failure. The goal of care is not to cure but to enhance quality of life, manage distressing symptoms and support families through complex decisions.

A central aspect of this field involves early conversations about goals of care, symptom priorities and preferred settings for support. During a pediatrics conference, many clinicians explore communication strategies, ethical considerations, pain management frameworks and family counselling methods that strengthen decision-making. Pediatric End-of-Life Care emphasises shared understanding, where caregivers, clinicians and family members collaborate to ensure that the child’s needs are met with sensitivity and clarity.

A core concept in care planning involves the use of pediatric palliative decision frameworks, which guide teams in balancing comfort measures, medical interventions, emotional wellbeing and family expectations. These frameworks help tailor support based on the child’s developmental stage, cultural background and preferences expressed by the family. Symptom management includes addressing pain, nausea, breathlessness, sleep disturbances, agitation and feeding difficulties. Emotional and psychological care is equally important, as children and caregivers may struggle with fear, uncertainty, grief and anticipatory loss.

End-of-life care also includes supporting families beyond the child’s physical symptoms. Counselling, bereavement resources, memory-making activities and sibling support services help families navigate their emotional journey. Clinicians ensure that care remains flexible, allowing families to choose home-based care, hospice services or hospital support according to their comfort and needs.

A multidisciplinary team typically includes pediatricians, palliative specialists, nurses, counsellors, social workers, psychologists, chaplains and therapists. Each professional contributes unique expertise to maintain comfort and honour the child’s experience. Pediatric End-of-Life Care is grounded in empathy, communication and advocacy, ensuring that children experience safety, respect and loving presence throughout their final stages.