Mapping of Children’s Palliative Care Development Globally in 2023

Abstract

Background: The demand for children’s palliative care is increasingly urgent, with over 21 million children worldwide needing access, yet only 5–10% currently receiving it. Mapping the development of children’s palliative care is important in tracking progress and focusing priorities for future work. Methods: In 2023, a cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess the status of children’s palliative care globally, focusing on eight key indicators. Children’s palliative care experts and stakeholders were asked to evaluate the perceived levels of development in their countries across five defined levels, ranging from no known provision to broad integration into health care services. Efforts were made to engage non-responding countries. Regional palliative care associations were consulted to validate the results. Results: The survey was distributed to experts in 167/197 countries (85%), achieving data collection for 131 countries (78% of surveys sent). A total of 42% of countries (83) were at the lowest level of development (Level 1), while only 6% (11) of countries reached the highest level (Level 5), showing significant regional variation. An overall increase in children’s palliative care globally was seen, including significant movement between levels. Variations were seen between regions and across country income categories, providing insight to inform ongoing efforts in service development, advocacy, education, research and access to essential medicines. Conclusions: There has been global progress in children’s palliative care, although substantial gaps remain in access, particularly between high-income countries and low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The study highlights the importance of a comprehensive approach to children’s palliative care, with advocacy and education and training programmes being crucial for sustainable development.

Keywords

• children
• paediatric/pediatric
• palliative care
• global
• mapping