The need for paediatric palliative care in New Zealand.

AIM

To estimate the incidence of life-limiting conditions requiring palliative care in New Zealand children.

METHODS

Mortality data was obtained for all children who died aged 0-17 years during the period 1996-1998. Based on the cause of death and hospitalisation data, cases were classified as either 'palliative' or 'not palliative'. A separate analysis was performed to allow comparison with overseas estimates of paediatric palliative care need.

RESULTS

Of a total of 2,122 deaths during the study period, 348 cases (16%) were assessed as potentially having required palliative care, giving a rate of 1.14 per 10 000 children per year. 37% of these deaths were due to cancer, 11% cardiac conditions, 24% congenital anomalies, and 28% other conditions. 29% of these children died in hospital.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study are consistent with estimates from overseas studies and will be valuable in planning paediatric palliative care services in New Zealand.