Standard pediatric palliative care in Europe

Children with: (1) a life-threatening disease for which there is curative therapy, which however carries a risk of failure, (2) a terminal disease, (3) a progressive disease for which there is no curative therapy, and (4) an irreversible but non-progressive disease with frequent complications and which will probably lead to premature death, require pediatric palliative care. This should include active and comprehensive care which takes the body, soul and mind of the child into consideration equally and involves the entire affected family group. Currently available resources are insufficient to cover pediatric palliative care needs. IMPaCCT recommends introducing minimum standards of care Europe-wide, for which provision should also be made as part in the training of medical personnel. These standards are elucidated here, together with pain and symptom management. Ethical aspects and statutory children's rights in pediatric palliative therapy are also presented.