Challenges of paediatric palliative care in the intensive care unit during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Background: The integration of paediatric palliative care into the Iranian health system is essential. Aims: The aim of this study was to identify the challenges of palliative care in the paediatric intensive care unit during COVID-19 through the experiences of healthcare providers. Methods: A qualitative study with content analysis approach was conducted. Fifteen physicians and nurses were selected by purposeful sampling. The semi-structured, in-depth interviews were applied in the data collection. Findings: Ten main categories were extracted from data analysis, including ‘caring in COVID-19’, ‘communication and family centre care’, ‘breaking bad news’, palliative care training’, ‘pain and symptom management’, ‘support of the child, family and clinical team’, ‘physical environment’, ‘guidelines’, ‘specialised staff’ and ‘home based palliative care’. Conclusion: Palliative care in the PICU faces several challenges, especially during COVID-19, but the clinical team are making every attempt to improve the comprehensive care of children and their families. Telehealth is important in COVID-19, and education is also a key component to improve palliative care in the PICU in Iran.