ArticleEuropean journal of pediatrics2026
Not just there by chance: a qualitative study on continuity and quality of spiritual care in paediatric palliative care.
Article in European journal of pediatrics, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.
What it found
Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.
The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.
Who cites it
0 citing papers in PubMed.
No citing paper in PubMed yet.
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
7 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Children with life-limiting conditions and their families face profound existential and spiritual challenges throughout the paediatric palliative care (PPC) trajectory. While spiritual care (SC) is a recognised component of PPC, its continuity and quality across care settings remain underexplored. This study examined how SC can be organised and safeguarded across the PPC continuum, from the perspectives of parents, healthcare professionals, and spiritual care providers. An exploratory qualitative study was conducted using multidisciplinary peer consultation groups. Two groups met online in 2022-2023, discussing six PPC cases over seven sessions. Participants included spiritual care professionals, clinicians from hospital and home settings, and parents. Data sources included audio-recorded transcripts, structured case descriptions, and field notes. A modified QUAGOL approach was used for narrative-informed thematic analysis. Coding was supported with team discussions. Continuity of care (relational, informational, and managerial) informed interpretation as a sensitising framework. Two themes were identified: (1) challenges in ensuring continuity of spiritual care, including fragmented referrals, lack of coordination, and cultural disconnects; and (2) defining and delivering quality SC, emphasising relational consistency, cultural and linguistic fit, and interprofessional collaboration. Parents valued providers who "knew their story", while professionals stressed clearer referral pathways and role alignment. Gaps in coordination and information transfer constrained support across transitions.
conclusionContinuity of spiritual care in PPC is not merely a logistical task but a relational and interpretive process. Embedding SC into proactive care planning and interprofessional practice may improve coordination, enhance cultural responsiveness, and support families throughout the illness trajectory. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Spiritual care is an essential dimension of paediatric palliative care but is often fragmented across settings. Traditionally, SC has been hospital-centred. • Families frequently lack consistent support during transitions between hospital, home, and community care. WHAT IS NEW: • This study suggests that continuity in spiritual care relies on sustained relationships, cultural attunement, and clear coordination. • Embedding spiritual care in proactive planning may support consistency and family-centred support throughout the illness trajectory.
Indexed as
Identifiers
What OpenQuestion holds
Registered trials
Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.