ABSTRACT
Care requirements for pediatric patients are different from those of adult and/or the elderly. A pediatric palliative care network that brings together children, families, and caregivers would help solve many of these problems. In recent years, there have been gradual but continuous transformations in care needs in pediatric medicine: a new type of patient, different settings, and diverse “healthcare” goals. The developed world has seen an increase in the prevalence of incurable disease and disability. Medical and technological advances have reduced infant and child mortality rates and, at the same time, have improved the survival of children with severe and potentially lethal pathologies. The care teams must deal with complex situations where the individuality and complexity of the child’s care encounters the individuality and complexity of the personal tragedy of an incurable illness. Geriatrics is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and problems specific for elderly.
