Journal of Leukemia
Open Access

The influence of decision making and palliative care misconceptions on the wellbeing of medically complex pediatric patients: A systematic review

2^nd International Conference on Pediatric Oncology and Pediatric Medicine

October 05-06, 2017 Las Vegas, USA

Christine Skrzat and Carrie Stott

Duquesne University, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Leuk

Abstract :

The medical decision making process is a complex but necessary part of ensuring healthcare occurs ethically within a shared relationship between patient and clinician. This process is more complicated in pediatric medicine because in most scenarios consent must occur among three parties; the pediatric patient, the parents and the clinicians. While patient wellbeing, an individual state of happiness and satisfaction, is the essence of pediatric medicine it becomes threatened when the burdens of serious and/ or chronic health conditions add to this intricate decision making process. Palliative care aims to improve patient wellbeing but its proper use tends to be underutilized in pediatric medicine. This article explores how preconceived notions about palliative care and the complexities of medical decision making act as barriers to enhancing pediatric patient wellbeing in the face of serious and chronic health conditions.