The Importance of Medical Staff Training in Pediatric Palliative CareKrista E. LivingstonDurham Technical Community CollegeSummary- Pediatric Patients/Parents in Need of End-of-Life Care/Support patients/parents receive support and palliative care from formally trained medical staffC- Patients/parents who receive palliative care from medical staff without formal trainingO- Pediatric patients/parents have a more satisfying experience during end-of-life care when provided by formally trained medical personnel.The importance of medical personnel training in pediatric palliative careIntroductionThe impending death of a child is almost inconceivable to a parent. A series of non-sequential events that deeply shakes a family. While experiencing these devastating life events, the child and their family will be cared for by a healthcare team. Pediatric palliative care aims to improve the quality of life and reduce stress for the patient and their family. Although any member of the patient's health care team can participate in this care, it may not be the best practice for the patient, family, or medical staff. When the medical team has not been formally trained on how to manage the care of a dying child, conflicts can arise. With specialized training, the medical team could significantly improve the end-of-life experience for patients and their families. Background of the Problem According to Beckstrand, Rawle, Callister, and Mandleco (2010) “The death of a child evokes deep feelings of tragedy. , devastation and painful confusion at the injustice of a life that ends prematurely. (p. 544) It is the raw emotions that predominate when a child is dying. For the child and family, this final ephemeral message...... middle of paper ...... states "It is necessary for health professionals to better understand the concept of palliative care, the factors that contribute to honest care, open authentic and therapeutic relationships between those involved in the care of the dying child” (p. 59). The care provided to a child and their family at the end of life can have a lasting effect on how they grieve. When the medical team has specialized training in the palliative care of a child, it helps alleviate many of the barriers that exist between the family and the healthcare team. The medical team plays an essential role in families' perception of the care their child receives. When a child's death is approached in a multidisciplinary manner, where all members of the medical team work in synchrony, it creates an optimal environment that could improve the end-of-life experience of dying children. (Beckstrand et al.., 2010)