End of life care: Parents' concerns and anxieties

1. 107. You should be sensitive to the concerns and anxieties that parents may have when decisions have to be made about withdrawing or not starting potentially life-prolonging treatment. For example, parents may feel responsible for any adverse outcomes and want reassurance that all appropriate treatment for their child is being offered. You must listen to their concerns, consider carefully their views about changes in their child’s condition, and make sure they have access to information or support if they need or want it. You should try to make sure that they receive consistent, clear messages about their child’s care or condition from different members of the healthcare team.