A new course offers professional communication development in end-of-life care for children.
Effective communication is an essential skill for health professionals working in paediatric palliative care, where sensitive discussions often carry profound implications for children, young people, and their families.
Recognising the need for formalised training in this area, Palliative Care Australia has launched the Paediatric Palliative Care End of Life Communication Course , a comprehensive and evidence-based resource designed to advance your professional practice.
The course responds to the growing demand, with over 40,000 children and young people expected to require paediatric palliative care services annually in 2025.
Research and feedback from both clinicians and families has revealed a significant gap in training, particularly in managing challenging conversations around end-of-life care. To address this, the course draws on insights from lived experiences, the Paediatric Palliative Care National Action Plan, and expert input, ensuring the content is both rigorous and practical.
Delivered across eight self-directed modules, the course covers essential topics including communicating with children; connecting with adolescents and young adults ; understanding emotion; moral distress; shared decision-making; diversity; and teamwork. These modules reflect the multifaceted nature of conversations in paediatric palliative care. Completing these modules will equip clinicians with the skills needed to navigate diverse and complex scenarios effectively.
The course is available on the PPC4U website, alongside other valuable palliative care education resources. To enrol or learn more, visit All courses | Paeds .
For additional information and resources, including support tailored to paediatric palliative care, health professionals are encouraged to explore the dedicated paediatric palliative care website .
