Navigating Cultural and Religious Differences in Communication with Neurologically Ill Children Requiring Palliative Care

Le résumé fourni par la source

Pediatric palliative care (PPC) aims to enhance the quality of life for children with life-limiting conditions and their families through individualized, interdisciplinary support. Among this population, children with neurological diseases represent a substantial and growing group, often facing prolonged disease courses, cognitive impairments, and high prognostic uncertainty. Effective communication is central to PPC, yet it remains deeply influenced by cultural, religious, and spiritual frameworks that shape family perceptions of illness, suffering, and decision-making. This narrative review explores communication strategies in PPC with a specific focus on children with neurologic conditions, highlighting conceptual foundations, cross-cultural variations, and emerging best practices. We examine how culturally humble approaches, family-centered models, and structured tools such as co-designed advance care planning and dignity therapy can enhance communication. Additionally, we address ethical and interdisciplinary challenges—particularly in neonatal and neurology settings—where misaligned team messaging and institutional hesitancy may compromise trust and timely referral to palliative care. Finally, we identify future priorities in research, policy, and clinical education, advocating for models that are inclusive, ethically grounded, and tailored to the unique trajectories of neurologically ill children. Integrating cultural competence, team alignment, and family voice is essential to delivering equitable and compassionate PPC across diverse care settings.

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