Life-threatening conditions for which curative treatment may be feasible but can fail.

Access to palliative care services may be necessary when treatment fails or during an acute crisis.

Conditions where premature death is inevitable

There may be long periods of intensive treatment aimed at prolonging life and allowing participation in normal activities.

Progressive conditions without curative treatment

Treatment is exclusively palliative and may commonly extend over many years.

Irreversible but non-progressive conditions causing severe disability, leading to susceptibility to health complications and likelihood of premature death.

Children can have complex health care needs, a high risk of an unpredictable life-threatening event or episode, health complications and an increased likelihood of premature death.