Pediatria pre prax 4/2026

Pediatric palliative care – current state in Slovakia, challenges and perspectives

Pediatric palliative care is an approach focused on improving the quality of life of seriously or incurably ill children and their families. The relief of suffering represents an ethical obligation of healthcare systems. This paper analyzes the current state of pediatric palliative care in Slovakia and highlights the lack of capacity, limited regional and time accessibility of services, shortage of specialized personnel, and absence of systematic development. It emphasizes the need for education of healthcare professionals, building multidisciplinary teams and implementation of systemic changes.

Keywords: pediatric palliative care, seriously ill children, quality of life, systematic development, education