"When Children Die examines what we know about the needs of these children and their families, the extent to which such needs are - and are not - being met, and what can be done to provide more competent, compassionate, and consistent care. The book offers recommendations for involving child patients in treatment decisions, strengthening the organization and delivery of services, reducing financial barriers to care, developing support programs for bereaved families, training health professionals, expanding the knowledge base to guide clinicians and families, and more. It argues that taking these steps will improve the care of children who survive as well as those who do not - and will likewise help all families who suffer with their seriously ill or injured child." "Featuring illustrative cases, the book discusses patterns of childhood death and explores the basic elements of physical, emotional, spiritual, and practical care for children and families experiencing a child's life-threatening illness or injury."--BOOK JACKET.