Our Innovative Approach | Overview
Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Pediatric Advanced Care Team has served as a model program for pediatric institutions around the United States.
Members of the PACT participate in regional and national efforts to improve care for children with advanced illness. Through clinical trials, the Pediatric Advanced Care Team is evaluating approaches to care that preserve hope and optimize your child’s quality of life and comfort.
Our services
The Pediatric Advanced Care Team's (PACT) services include:
- Consultation: If your child needs palliative care, our team members will work closely with your family and primary care team to develop a comprehensive quality-of-life care plan. We support, but do not replace, your child's primary care team. We work with your primary care team to treat your child’s underlying illness while striving to maintain her optimal quality of life. During your consultation, PACT will evaluate factors, such as your child's feelings and health, your family's needs, and the care team's medical plan in order to formulate recommendations. Our clinicians can meet with your child and family at the hospital, at one of our outpatient facilities, or at your home.
- Education: Our team members want your child and family to make educated decisions. PACT members are available to discuss communication and decision-making issues, pain and symptom management, palliative care, hospice and home care, family dynamics, sibling issues, school interactions, and spiritual concerns.
- Support: It is important that your child and your family have support both at the hospital and when you return home. Our team can help identify supportive national or community-based organizations. In addition, PACT can provide psychosocial support and help arrange end-of-life care when necessary.
Our team includes experienced social workers and dedicated pastoral services to support you and your child during treatment.
A PACT consultation can be arranged at any time during your child's treatment. Our team is available to provide consultation 24 hours a day.
For more information, please call our office at 617-632-5042.