Abstract

Supporting the Child and the Family in Paediatric Palliative Care provides a comprehensive overview of good practice in caring for terminally-ill children, young people and their families.

Drawing from extensive personal experiences of working in paediatric palliative care, the author provides guidance on issues including symptom management and pain relief; cultural, religious and spiritual aspects of care; and the role of education for life-limited children. Addressing the importance of individual needs, the book looks at emotional, social and cognitive support at different stages of the illness, how parents and professionals can respond to children's own questions about death, and the impact of life-limiting illness on the whole family - including grandparents and siblings. The material offers helpful suggestions on how to support families in making informed choices during distressing periods, such as where their child will die and how to prepare for the funeral.

This book is a practical and invaluable tool for nurses, paediatricians, hospice care staff, bereavement counsellors and all those caring for life-limited children.

Erica Brown is Head of Research and Development at Acorns Children's Hospice in Birmingham. She has lectured and published internationally in the field of special education, spiritual and religious care, palliative care and bereavement. She is also a trained bereavement counsellor. Brian Warr is Director of Care at Acorns Children's Hospice, a post he has held for the past 14 years. Before joining Acorns Brian held senior management posts with Barnardo's and Social Services. He has been employed in child care posts for 34 years. In 1998, Brian became a Justice of the Peace in both the Family Court and The Youth Work Court.
A book with practical ideas, supported by references from the literature and the findings of recent research projects.
Educational Book Review
The book will be invaluable to anyone thinking of working in this area and will also service those already established in this field. I highly recommend it.
Nursing Standard
Useful practical help is offered on the support of children and families as they make difficult choices at very stressful times, this will be appreciated by all professionals working in this area... Supporting the Child and the Family in Pediatric Care is a most helpful and accessible book... The multi disciplinary approach would make it a useful tool to all medical, pastoral or support staff.
Evelyn Cairns, Scottish Journal of Healthcare Chaplaincy