Updated guidance on paediatric end-of-life care
The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care has released an updated National Consensus Statement: Essential elements for safe and high‑quality paediatric end‑of‑life care, providing the latest guidance for clinicians and health services.
The Consensus Statement outlines how end-of-life care for children should be approached and delivered effectively across healthcare settings.
This second edition updates guidance first published in 2016, reflecting current evidence, clinical practice and consultation with the paediatric palliative care sector, clinicians, experts and consumers.
Key updates include:
a focus on neonates, First Nations children, and children with disability
guidance for care in regional, rural and remote areas
a culturally responsive, child and family‑centred approach
nine guiding principles
ten essential elements with key actions
A new poster highlighting the 10 essential elements and key actions is also available for download.
The Consensus Statement supports clinicians to deliver safe, effective and high-quality, child and family-centred care, helping improve comfort, dignity and quality of life for children approaching end of life.
More information
Visit safetyandquality.gov.au/eolc or email comms4safety.compcare@safetyandquality.gov.au