Supporting the Child and the Family in Pediatric Palliative Care

Brown, head of research and development at Acorns Children's Hospice in the UK, overviews good practice in caring for terminally ill young people and their families. She provides guidance on key issues such as symptom management and pain relief, cultural and religious aspects of care, and the role of education for life-limited children. She also addresses emotional, social, and cognitive support at different stages of the illness, how parents and professionals can respond to children's questions about death, and the impact of terminal illness on the whole family, including siblings and grandparents. Funeral, post-mortem, and financial issues are examined as well. A final chapter looks at the role of research and development in children's hospices. Chapter key points and implications for practice are included. The book will be of interest to nurses, pediatricians, hospice care staff, bereavement counselors, and all those caring for life-limited children. Annotation c2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Erica Brown is Head of Research and Development at Acorns Children's Hospice in Birmingham. She has lectured and published internationally in the field of special education, spiritual and religious care, palliative care and bereavement. She is also a trained bereavement counsellor. Brian Warr is Director of Care at Acorns Children's Hospice, a post he has held for the past 14 years. Before joining Acorns Brian held senior management posts with Barnardo's and Social Services. He has been employed in child care posts for 34 years. In 1998, Brian became a Justice of the Peace in both the Family Court and The Youth Work Court.