Pediatric ICU

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

The culture of pediatric intensive care units (PICUs) is focused on curative or life-prolonging treatments for seriously ill children. We present empirically-based approaches to family-centered palliative care that can be applied in PICUs.

Palliative care in these settings is framed by larger issues related to the context of care in PICUs, the stressors experienced by families, and challenges to palliative care philosophy within this environment. Innovations from research on family-centered communication practices in adult ICU settings provide a framework for development of palliative care in PICUs and suggest avenues for social work support of critically ill children and their families.

Key Focus Areas in Our PICU

Family-centered palliative care integration
Advanced life support for critically ill children
Comprehensive pain and symptom management
Psychological support for patients and families
Multidisciplinary team approach to care
Ethical decision-making support

Comprehensive PICU Services

Advanced Critical Care

State-of-the-art monitoring and life support systems for children with life-threatening conditions, including mechanical ventilation and hemodynamic support.

Family-Centered Approach

Integrating families into the care team with open communication, shared decision-making, and psychological support throughout the treatment journey.

Palliative Care Integration

Seamless integration of palliative care principles with curative treatments to address physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and families.

Multidisciplinary Team

Collaborative care involving pediatric intensivists, nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, and child life specialists working together.

Family Support & Communication

Supporting Families in Crisis

We know having a child in the PICU is incredibly stressful. Our support system helps families through these challenges.

Daily family conferences with the medical team
Psychological counseling and emotional support
Child life specialists for sibling support
Spiritual care services
Bereavement support when needed
Transition planning for discharge or transfer

Innovative Communication Practices

Based on research from adult ICU settings, we've adapted family-centered communication practices specifically for pediatric critical care environments.

Structured family meetings with clear agendas
Regular updates using understandable language
Shared decision-making processes
Cultural sensitivity in all communications
Documentation of family preferences and values
24/7 access to clinical information