In Italy, the availability of contemporary data regarding the characteristics of children accessing paediatric palliative care (PPC) services is limited. In particular, the epidemiological data regarding the development of dedicated PPC networks and their quality assessment is lacking. Studies that identify the characteristics of children with palliative care needs requiring care delivery in divers settings (hospice, home, hospital) permit the development of more effective and efficient PPC programs for service provision based on actual needs.

The “PalliPED” research project, devised and supervised by Prof. Franca Benini and supported by the Maruzza Foundation, provides a clear and honest photograph of the actual situation of Paediatric Palliative Care provision in Italy in October 2022. The study maps, not only, the dedicated centres and services available throughout Italy but also examines the typology of children with palliative care needs accessing these services and delivers fundamental social data.

The outcome of the study will help national and regional healthcare authorities, policy makers, hospitals and clinicians to better plan specialised care services for babies, children and young adults diagnosed with serious and incurable illness.