A Venn diagram of vulnerability: The convergence of pediatric palliative care and child maltreatment a narrative review, and a focus on communication. Child Abuse Negl 2022 Jun;128:105605
Date
04/04/2022Pubmed ID
35367899Pubmed Central ID
PMC11000825DOI
10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105605Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85127273933 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 4 CitationsAbstract
Child maltreatment and end-of-life care independently represent two of the most emotion-laden and uncomfortable aspects of pediatric patient care. Their overlap can be uniquely distressing. This review explores ethical and legal principles in such cases and provides practical advice for clinicians. The review focuses on three archetypal scenarios of overlap: life-limiting illness in a child for whom parental rights have been terminated; life-threatening injury under CPS investigation; and complex end-of-life care which may warrant CPS involvement. While each scenario presents unique challenges, one consistent theme is the centrality of effective communication. This includes empathic communication with families and thoughtful communication with providers and community stakeholders. In almost all cases, everyone genuinely wants to do what is in the best interest of the child in these unthinkable circumstances. Transparent and collaborative communication can ensure that broad perspectives are considered to ensure that each child gets the best possible care in a manner adherent with ethical and legal standards, as they apply to each case.
Author List
Rothschild CB, Chaiyachati BH, Finck KR, Atwood MA, Leuthner SR, Christian CWAuthors
Melissa Atwood DO, MA Assistant Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of WisconsinSteven R. Leuthner MD Interim Chief, Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
Charles Baron Rothschild MD Associate Professor in the Pediatrics department at Medical College of Wisconsin
MESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
ChildChild Abuse
Communication
Family
Humans
Palliative Care
Terminal Care
