eISSN 2097-6046
ISSN 2096-7446
CN 10-1655/R
Responsible Institution:China Association for Science and Technology
Sponsor:Chinese Nursing Association

Chinese Journal of Emergency and Critical Care Nursing ›› 2025, Vol. 6 ›› Issue (12): 1503-1509.doi: 10.3761/j.issn.2096-7446.2025.12.017

• Evidence Synthesis Research • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Visual analysis of research hotspots and development trends in palliative care for pediatric intensive care units

HE Yemei(), HU Yaxuan, LIU Xiumei, LIAO Shiyi, CHEN Ouying()   

  • Received:2025-05-18 Online:2025-12-10 Published:2025-12-11
  • Contact: CHEN Ouying E-mail:3158668642@qq.com;1577554027@qq.com

Abstract:

Objective To analyze research hotspots and development trends in the field of palliative care for pediatric intensive care units abroad,aiming to inform the development of culturally tailored pediatric palliative care models in China. Methods A systematic search was conducted in PubMed and Web of Science for literature on palliative care in pediatric critical care units published from database inception to April 26,2025. CiteSpace version 6.4.R1 was employed to visualize keyword co-occurrence networks,thematic clusters,and emerging terms. Additionally,relevant research publications in China were identified by searching China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),VIP Database(VIP),and Wanfang Data(Wanfang). Results A total of 502 eligible articles was identified,with a marked upward trend in annual publications peaking at 55 articles in 2024. And 42 Chinese documents were obtained,with the highest annual publication volume reaching 6. International research prioritized on ethical conflicts and moral dilemmas between healthcare providers and families regarding withdrawal of life-sustaining treatments,disease-specific symptom management and end-of-life care for critically ill children,occupational stress and interventions for palliative care teams. The current research trend is shifting towards the continuous family care of terminally ill children. Conclusion Global research on palliative care in pediatric critical care units is intensifying,encompassing ethical decision-making,symptom control,practitioner psychological support,and family grief counseling. These findings offer critical theoretical and practical insights for establishing culturally appropriate pediatric palliative care pathways in China.

Key words: Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Palliative Care, Visual Analysis, CiteSpace