Palliative care practices for enhancing the daily lives of hospitalized children with life- threatening conditions and their families: A qualitative study of practitioners’ perspectives

Background: This study aimed to elucidate palliative care practices, such as playing, learning, socializing, family time, and physical engagement, that enhance the daily lives of hospitalized children with life-threatening conditions (LTCs) and their families and to identify the challenges related to these practices. Methods: In 2024, semi-structured interviews were conducted on hospital staff recruited from a university’s pediatric specialty hospital to explore their perspectives on palliative care practices. Qualitative content analysis was performed to summarize the practices and challenges. Results: The participants included eight nurses, two Child Life Specialists, two hospital schoolteachers, and one occupational therapist. The participants had respect for the values and wishes of the children and families during daily interactions. They were also sufficiently flexible to allow the children to enjoy age-appropriate activities despite ward regulations and medical constraints. Although the children experienced difficulties due to limited opportunities to physically see their siblings, their parents provided them with information about their siblings. Conclusions: The participants assisted the children with LTCs and their families in fulfilling their wishes and engaging in age-appropriate activities. They also provided support to the entire families, including their siblings. However, challenges exist owing to time constraints, ward regulations, and medical constraints.