Neonatal and paediatric palliative care interdisciplinary education in India.

Background: Newborns and children with chronic and life-limiting illnesses and their families benefit from family-centered interdisciplinary palliative care, PC). The value of PC for patients and their families, coupled with health inequities, especially in low- and middle-income countries, LMICs) and limited resource settings, make neonatal and paediatric palliative care, NPPC) a worldwide public health necessity.

Aims: To explore the evidence concerning an interprofessional healthcare provider adoption of culturally responsive policies, procedures and clinical protocols in India for PC following an education programme.

Methods: An integrated literature review including electronic data search of CINAHL, PubMed and Embase.

Findings: Health professional audiences express high interest in education regarding effective PC delivery. However, there is a lack of specificity and inclusion of neonatal and paediatric populations when addressing PC knowledge and care delivery in India.

Conclusion: Although interest in education on PC delivery is high, additional research and resources are needed to adequately equip healthcare providers to develop evidence-based NPPC education programmes that effectively guide PC programme construction and care delivery.