Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

NG61/5

Question

Recognising that a child or young person may be dying:- What signs and symptoms indicate that a child or young person with a life-limiting condition is likely to die within hours or days?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Healthcare professionals are often asked to estimate how close a child or young person may be to death. There is very little evidence on which to base any such estimate. To help predict when a child or young person is in the last hours or days of life, a clearer understanding is needed of which groups of signs and symptoms indicate this most clearly. This would improve healthcare planning, but importantly would also allow families to realistically address their 'hopes and wishes' for their child's care while preparing themselves for the child's or young person's last hours and days of life.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

End of life care for infants, children and young people with life-limiting conditions: planning and management

Number

NG61

Date issued

December 2016

Other details