Pediatric critical care and oncology providers care for patients who have life-threatening or serious illness, yet they receive little palliative care education.

Compare oncology and critical care providers’ attitudes regarding palliative care.

An electronic survey assessed respondents’ opinions of whether, when, and why palliative care should be utilized.

Response rate was 49%. Critical care physicians were more likely to incorporate palliative care for psychosocial support; oncologists for symptom control. Those with palliative care education were more likely to involve in palliative care, did so earlier and for reasons other than end-of-life planning.

Oncology and critical care providers utilized palliative care for different reasons.