Recognising uncertainty: an integrated framework for palliative care in perinatal medicine

Summary

This BAPM Framework for Practice, developed jointly with the Association of Paediatric Palliative Medicine, sets out an integrated model of perinatal palliative care for all situations where a baby's outcome is uncertain, rather than relying on a list of specific conditions. It stresses that palliative care is not synonymous with end-of-life care but is an active, total approach that can begin at diagnosis and run alongside curative treatment. It positions palliative care as 'everyone's business', deliverable by existing antenatal and neonatal teams with community and specialist support. It is intended to inform local integrated pathways and does not give detailed guidance on symptom management or advance care planning.

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