Palliative phase
As a (pediatric) physical therapist affiliated with KinderOncoNet, you may receive a referral for a child during the palliative phase.
Developing the care plan
When a child enters the palliative phase, the lead physician (pediatric oncologist), together with the case manager or nurse specialist, develops a care plan. This plan includes contact details of the various healthcare professionals, advice on symptom management, psychosocial points of attention, and agreements regarding any treatment limitations.
The role of the physical therapist
A (pediatric) physical therapist from the Princess Máxima Center may be consulted during the palliative or terminal phase by the lead physician, another referring specialist, or the Pediatric Comfort Team, provided there is a care question from the parents, the child, or the referring professional. The physical therapist assesses the situation of the child, parents, and their environment in terms of function, activities and participation, as well as external and personal factors. Together with the child, parents, and loved ones, treatment goals are then determined.
Referral
As a (pediatric) physical therapist affiliated with KinderOncoNet, a child may be referred to you during this phase. The care questions you may encounter often relate to fatigue or physical functioning, dyspnea, coughing, pressure injuries, or nausea. During the palliative phase, the focus of treatment gradually shifts from recovery to supportive care and symptom management. The main goal of treatment is to support optimal physical functioning so that desired and necessary activities and or actions can be carried out. Through the handover from the (pediatric) physical therapist at the Máxima Center, you will be informed about the established care plan.