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Pediatric Advanced Care Team

Dedicated to improving symptoms and quality of life in children with advanced illness

The Pediatric Advanced Care Team (PACT) was formed in 1997 by members from Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Children's Hospital Boston. Our goals are to assist the primary health care team, families, and children with advanced illness to prevent, reduce, and soothe symptoms. We support treatment of the underlying illness and, at the same time, strive for optimal quality of life. Through a family-centered approach, we promote healing, comfort, and making childhood experiences meaningful.

PACT strives to address the unique needs of children with advanced illness and their parents and siblings. We aim to:

• Facilitate early recognition of symptoms and quality of life issues by the primary team of caregivers for children with advanced illness
• Support the primary team by expediting optimal, pain and symptom management, communication between family and primary care team, quality of life with emphasis on meaningfulness, and coordination among inpatient, outpatient, and home settings.
• Develop and implement initiatives to improve quality of life and services for children and families.
• Participate in regional and national efforts to improve care for children with advanced illness.

What Does PACT Offer

Consultation

Members of the multidisciplinary team are available to provide consultation on the care of children with advanced illness. When a consult is requested, we assemble the primary care team and selected PACT members depending on the needs you express. The primary goal is to develop a cohesive plan of care. PACT members are available for home assessment of patients, as well as for consultation 24 hours a day.

Intervention

PACT is actively involved in developing and assessing innovative ways to care for children with advanced illness and their families.

Education

Members of our multidisciplinary team are available to speak about the following topics: decision-making, pain and symptom management, palliative care, home and hospice care, family dynamics, sibling issues, school interactions, and spiritual concerns.

For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment or consultation with the Pediatric Advanced Care Team, please contact us at:

PACT

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