Supporting Health Care Professionals Through Complex Care Decisions – Know the Right Time
Paediatric palliative care works best when introduced at the earliest appropriate time and alongside existing care. Timely referral allows children, young people, and their families to access vital support throughout their care journey.
However, uncertainty in referral can limit the full benefits of paediatric palliative care reducing opportunities for complex medical decision-making, coordinated care, improved quality of life, and essential support for families. PPC is not about taking over care but working collaboratively alongside you and your team becoming partners in care.
‘Hoping for the best whilst planning for the rest’
The Shaping the Future of Paediatric Palliative Care project led by Palliative Care Australia and funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing has developed the Referral Decision-Making Guideline Tool.
This tool is designed to support timely, appropriate referrals and empower health professionals to navigate complex care decisions with confidence and compassion.
Let’s keep the conversation going - because every child deserves access to quality palliative care, and every clinician deserves the tools to make that possible.
The Decision Making Guideline Tool offers a set of reflective questions designed to help explore and understand the child and family’s overall situation. These questions are organised into five key areas:
- Condition & Referral Types
- Progression and Management of Conditions
- Child and Family needs
- Service Considerations
- Clinician Reflection
Working through these reflective questions helps health professionals decide whether referral should be considered now, soon or later, and ensures families are introduced to PPC in a way that supports choice and coordinated care.
Know the Right Time – Download and start using the tool in your practice because timely referral gives families the time to think, plan and focus on what matters most. You can make that possible by starting the conversation sooner.
Explore the tool at https://paediatricpalliativecare.org.au/resource/referral-to-paediatric-palliative-care-decision-making-guideline-tool-for-health-professionals/
Show your support by using the hash tag #Knowtherighttime