ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book considers the organisation of care globally. It demonstrates differences and similarities of global paediatric palliative care practices. The book offers a UK perspective, where it is quite acceptable and established practice to care for the terminally ill child in the home and hospice. It also offers the perspective of a resource-limited country of Eastern Europe, where there are no choices about treatment or where to provide care other than the home. The book discusses the challenges of delivering palliative care in a resource-poor sector. It explores the reader to reflect and take stock of the family's experiences. The book also explores how palliative care is always about dealing with the unexpected. Certainly in a UK context palliative care as a distinct element of care for children and young people, and is now a recognised sub-specialty in paediatrics.
