Pediatric palliative care: a family-centered model for critical care.

Melanie's case and the associated concerns are not unique. Children with life-threatening conditions and their families and communities may benefit from a family-centered model of pediatric palliative care. Benefits from its implementation are not just at the end of life, but throughout the course of therapy. Compassion coupled with a holistic approach incorporating humane and family-centered care is essential in meeting physical, mental, and spiritual needs. An interdisciplinary and collaborative model of pediatric palliative care involves the work of many, including nurses, physicians, social workers, chaplains, child life specialists, pharmacists, ethicists, bereavement counselors, ancillary staff, volunteers, and families themselves. They must incorporate key elements of the model, including clinical services, education and training, support services, and research that address physical, mental, and spiritual needs of families, children, and communities faced with life-threatening conditions.