This paper examines the potential of a new classification framework to facilitate identification of children with palliative care needs. 50 health and social care professionals applied the new framework, known as the Spectrum to clinical vignettes and their caseload. The findings demonstrated that the framework appears to have a real value in allowing health professionals to convey a child's likely prognosis, changes in trajectory and approximate care goals. However there were areas of concern around some aspects of reliability. The results have been used to produce a revised version of the framework
Shaw, K.L., Brook, L., Mpundu-Kaambwa, C., Harris, N., Lapwood, S. & Randall, D. 2014. The spectrum of children's palliative care needs: a classification framework for children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care. Published Online First: 4 March 2014 doi:10.1136/bmjspcare-2012-000407
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