Oncologist conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care: challenges and definitions.

The findings illustrate the current conceptualizations of pediatric palliative care among the pediatric oncology community in Israel. The conceptual model documents their understanding of pediatric palliative care as a philosophical approach and the challenges they face in differentiating between palliative care and standard pediatric oncology care. Pediatric palliative care is a highly needed and valued sub-specialty. The findings from this study highlight the importance for its continued development in Israel, as it can reduce the suffering of children and their families. Concurrently, pediatric oncologists need to have more resources and access to explicit knowledge of the conceptual and practical aspects of both primary and specialized pediatric palliative care.