Table 2

Inclusion and exclusion criteria for child and family interviews

Inclusion criteria1 Children aged 5–18 years (school age) with a life-limiting or life-threatening condition who are under the care of the Community Children’s Nursing Team and/or the Children’s Hospital and who either:

  • receive palliative care services;

  • are aware of (have had discussions about) palliative care services;

  • are living with relapsing or refractory disease;

  • or have had a life-threatening episode (admission to the paediatric intensive care unit).


2 Their family members, who live in the same household.
Exclusion criteria

  • Children aged <5 years and >18 years.

  • Families of children <5 years and >18 years.

  • Children and families with whom I have clinical contact.

  • Children and/or families who do not wish to participate.

  • Children who are too unwell will not be approached for interview, but their family members may still participate if they wish to.

  • Children who are unable to participate in a conversational interview for any reason related to their condition will not be approached for interview, but their family members may participate if they wish to.

  • Children and families who are unable to provide informed consent in English will not be approached for interview.