The need for increased access to pediatric hospice and palliative care.

Pediatric hospice and palliative care continue to be an underutilized model of care. There is much confusion over the differences between hospice and palliative care. Nurses and physicians continue to need specialized training regarding end-of-life care and the pediatric population. Children and their families may needlessly be suffering during the dying process. Many barriers exist that prevent its use among medical professionals. This article discusses some of these barriers and strategies to reduce them. Recent changes in health care law will allow both curative and hospice care to be provided at the same time.