Integration of Palliative Care into Pediatric Brain Tumor Population: Assessing Patient and Family Perspectives on Palliative Care

Abstract

Background: Pediatric oncology is a field of medicine that requires complex treatment approaches and multidisciplinary care. While historically used interchangeably with hospice care, palliative care offers an additional layer of support and benefit to the patients and their families that is not exclusive to end-of-life treatment. Despite prognosis, there is evidence that early integration of palliative care services leads to improved quality of life and symptom management. Currently, the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders at Albany Medical Center does not …