A new, comprehensive handbook aimed at supporting GPs when a child with palliative care needs comes into their care, has been developed and made available for free download by UK charity ACT.

The Children’s Palliative Care Handbook for GPs marks a new departure for ACT, by reaching out to support professionals outside of the children’s palliative care specialty.

ACT recognises that it is uncommon for GPs, on an individual basis, to deal with families who have a child with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition. The handbook has been designed as a practical and emotional guide, to support  GPs working with a child with palliative care needs, to guide them through the pathway approach to planning and delivering care, and to direct them to more detailed resources.

The Children’s Palliative Care Handbook for GPs is a fully interactive PDF with 13 sections ranging from handling strong emotions and difficult questions; assessing pain; spiritual care; management of terminal symptoms; and helping the family with grief and bereavement.