The specialists in the Palliative Care program at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals have advanced training and expertise in helping children with serious illnesses live the care-free, comfortable lives all kids deserve. Care starts with developing individualized plans that bring relief from the symptoms as well as the stress of being ill.
Because pain is complicated and experienced differently by individuals, our pain medicine specialists embrace innovative techniques and combinations to create a safe, effective plan for each patient. Our integrative therapies for pain management include biofeedback (training in techniques that can allow people to control their body's response to pain), massage therapy, guided imagery, acupressure and acupuncture, art and music therapy, and nerve block injections (such as epidurals).
We take the same holistic approach to address a child's physical, emotional and spiritual needs, as well as those of the family. Our team develops a plan to meet the goals of each patient and family, with support services that include counseling, decision-making help that respects individual wishes and cultural values, and, if necessary, coordination with hospice agencies.
Palliative care services are appropriate at any stage of a serious illness and can be provided at the same time as life-prolonging treatment. We offer these services for all pediatric patients – from newborns to young adults – with complex medical conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, genetic illnesses and disorders related to prematurity.
Our services (2)
Pediatric Amplified Pain Rehabilitation (PAPR) Program
Awards & recognition
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Ranked among the nation's best in 11 specialties
Learning never stops
Our classroom and bedside classes help kids get credit and keep learning during treatment.
See our school program