When Traditional Medicine Fails

Author(s):  Bash Robert

Issue:  Jan/Feb 2010 - Pediatrics and Wellness
View All Articles in Issue

Abstract:  The focus of most medical schools, residencies, and ongoing post-graduate training is on treatable conditions. Unfortunately, today’s society and medical systems are ill-equipped to meet the needs of children who have been diagnosed with a terminal illness. This article discusses suggested steps to assist terminally ill children in successfully concluding their lives. It emphasizes the importance of a team of healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive and integrated care for the child and the child’s family. Because of their small size and the high tendency of adverse reactions to manufactured one-size-fits-all drugs, pediatric patients are a unique and specialized group requiring unique and specialized medications. These medications can be prepared by compounding pharmacists, integral participants of the healthcare team.

Related Keywords: Robert Bash, MD, children, terminal illness, death, hospice, palliative care, family, Texas Pediatric Palliative Care Consortium

Related Categories: HOSPICE/PALLIATIVE CARE, PEDIATRICS, PATIENT EDUCATION, ADVERSE DRUG EVENTS, DOSAGE FORMS/DRUG CARRIERS, INFORMATION RESOURCES

Purchase this article for download in electronic PDF format from IJPC at for $35 at:
http://www.ijpc.com/Products/ProductAddToCart.cfm?PID=3066

Search the entire IJPC archive by keyword, topic, or issue at:
http://ijpc.com/Products