Current Practices and Perspectives of Pediatric Palliative Care Workers in South Korea

Eun Sook Kim; Mikyung Park; Saet Byeol Kim; Sunhee Choi; Nari Yoon; Sujeong Kim

doi:10.14475/jhpc.2025.28.2.56

Current Practices and Perspectives of Pediatric Palliative Care Workers in South Korea

J Hosp Palliat Care. 2025 Jun 1;28(2):56-70. doi: 10.14475/jhpc.2025.28.2.56.

Authors

Eun Sook Kim^{1

2}, Mikyung Park³, Saet Byeol Kim⁴, Sunhee Choi⁵, Nari Yoon⁶, Sujeong Kim^{7

8}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Nursing, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
² Graduate School of Clinical Nursing Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea.
³ Pediatric Palliative Care Team, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea.
⁴ Pediatric Palliative Care Center, Chungnam University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea.
⁵ Hospice & Palliative Care Center, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
⁶ Department of Social Work, Seoul St Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
⁷ Research Institute for Hospice & Palliative Care, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
⁸ Department of Family Health Nursing, College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.

Abstract

Purpose: This study explored current pediatric palliative care (PPC) in South Korea and suggests future directions based on the perspectives of full-time PPC workers.

Methods: A mixed-methods secondary analysis was conducted using survey data from nurses and social workers involved in a government PPC project. The survey assessed services provided by hospitals, nurses, and social workers, and gathered perceptions of challenging tasks, evidence needs, the significance of PPC, and future expectations through open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using frequency and conventional content analyses.

Results: Eighteen full-time workers from nine of the ten project hospitals participated. Eight hospitals provided pain and symptom management and all offered counseling and education for patients and parents. Only one provided respite care and legacy-making services. Bereavement care was offered in all hospitals primarily through individual counseling and there were also three self-help groups. Nurses have diverse roles including in practice, education, leadership, research, and consultation. Social workers address psychosocial and economic challenges, rehabilitation and social reintegration. The workers highlighted the challenges in end-of-life care and communication, stressing the need for protocols and further training. PPC was seen as meaningful by patients and families, as well as staff.

Conclusion: Despite significant progress in PPC in South Korea, quantitative capacity remains limited. Further qualitative improvements in policies, practices, human resource development, and healthcare training are essential. This study provides insights into current PPC practices and their limitations. The development of practical evidence to enhance employment stability warrants further investigation.

Keywords: Child; Government; Health personnel; Nurses; Palliative care; Perception; Pilot projects; Social workers.