What role does a child life worker play in pediatric end-of-life care?

A child life worker plays a crucial role in pediatric end-of-life care by focusing on the emotional and developmental needs of the child and family. One of their significant contributions is facilitating memory-making activities for families. These activities can include creating handprints, recordings of the child's voice, or keepsakes that allow families to cherish memories with their child. This aspect is essential in helping families cope with impending loss and providing them with meaningful ways to remember their child after their passing.

While managing medications, addressing all emotional needs, and supervising family interactions are vital aspects of pediatric care, these responsibilities typically fall within the purview of nurses, social workers, or other healthcare professionals trained in specific areas. The child life worker’s focus is primarily on supporting emotional health and well-being through creative and therapeutic activities, making memory-making a key part of their specialized role during such sensitive times.