Screening for Palliative Care needs and exploring its association with Quality of Life in Children with Cancer

Summary of Background & Purpose of Trial

Palliative care is essential in improving the well-being of terminally ill patients in India, particularly children with cancer. Despite advancements in community programs, there is a significant shortage of specialized palliative care professionals and a high burden on caregivers, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Research indicates that palliative care enhances the quality of life for pediatric cancer patients by addressing their physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. However, the integration of palliative care remains low, and there is a lack of research on effective symptom management and the long-term impact of caregiving on parents.

Purpose of the Trial:

This trial aims to explore the association between palliative care needs and the quality of life in children with cancer. It also seeks to assess the quality of life using the PedsQLâ„¢ Cancer Module 3.0, evaluate palliative care needs with the Pediatric Palliative Screening Scale (PaPaS), and measure caregiver burden using the Caregiving Burden Scale for Family Caregivers of Children with Cancers (CBSFC-CC). The expected outcomes include a detailed assessment of quality of life, identification of areas for targeted interventions, quantification of caregiver burden, and validation of these assessment tools for future research and clinical practice.