Palliative care

1. CHILDREN PALLIATIVE CARE
 Definition
Children palliative care is the total care of the child's body, “mind and spirit and
it involves giving support to the family
It starts from diagnosis and continues to bereavement.
Children palliative care requires a broad multidisciplinary approach and it can be
provided in tertiary facilities as well as community.

2. Communicating with children
 Communicating openly and honestly with the child and their family is
important.
 To communicate well with children you must speak their language
 Children speak the following three languages which must follow the order
1. Body language
2. Play language
3, Spoken language

3. Body language
 How does the child enter the room?
 How does the child sit?
 Whom does the child want to be close to?
 Is the child’s body tense or relaxed
 Is the child’s posture changing in response to un pleasing information
 Note that children are excellent readers of body language
 Children will watch carefully how you interact with their family
 Smile and get down to their level in a non threatening way.

4. Play language
 Through play, children communicate what is in the heart or mind
 A child shows you rather than talking to you
 Always allow the child some space to play
 Play can be through music, drawing, imaginary games and story telling

5. Spoken language
 This language is most frequently used by adults
 Be careful not to force the child to speak
 If a child appears comfortable to discuss issues you can do it
 It is usually helpful to answer children’s question with a question

6. Key skills of communicating with
children
 Good listening skills
 Showing interest in the child
 Age related communication
 A non judgemental attitude
 Empathy
 Confidentiality
 Being open and honest
 Respect the child and family culture and beliefs
 Being patient with the child and allowing them -time to express themselves