Overview

Two women with a baby in the intensive care unit

The Pediatric Serious Illness Communication & Care (PediSIC-Care) Lab is a research and clinical innovation group dedicated to transforming how children and families experience serious illness. Our mission is to improve communication, advance care planning, and ensure compassionate, values-driven care for every patient and family we serve. Our work sits at the intersection of pediatric critical care, palliative care, and health services research. We focus on enhancing the experiences and outcomes of children, adolescents, and young adults living with serious illness—particularly those facing medical complexity, neurologic impairment, sudden, unexpected illness, or end-of-life decisions.

Through both qualitative and quantitative research, we identify critical gaps in care, explore disparities in palliative care access, and design evidence-based interventions that elevate the voices and needs of patients and families. Founded by Dr. Danielle DeCourcey, Associate Chief of the Division of Medical Critical Care at Boston Children’s Hospital, the PediSIC-Care Lab brings together clinician-investigators, trainees, and interdisciplinary partners who share a commitment to improving care for children with life-limiting conditions. Dr. DeCourcey’s pioneering work in serious illness communication led to the development of the Pediatric Serious Illness Communication (PediSIC) Program, a structured, family-centered approach to advance care planning .  We believe that excellent care is defined not only by medical expertise but by the words we choose-the conversations that help families prepare, navigate uncertainty, and ensure that each child’s and parent’s voice is heard.  By integrating narrative medicine and lived experiences into our work, we keep our research grounded in the real-life challenges of pediatric illness and loss.

Beyond our research and innovation, we are committed to:

  1. Mentorship and training of the next generation of pediatric palliative and critical care researchers.
  2. National leadership in developing clinical guidelines and educational tools for serious illness communication.
  3. Partnership with families in research co-design and participation.
  4. Promoting equity in care, particularly for children who have historically been underrepresented in palliative care and end-of-life services.

At the PediSIC-Care Lab, we hope for the best and prepare for what matters most, by listening deeply, learning continually, and always centering the child and family in everything we do.

Our commitment to mentorship

A core mission of the SIC-Care Lab is mentoring the next generation of clinician-investigators working at the intersection of pediatric critical care and palliative care.  We actively engage medical students, residents, fellows, and early-career faculty in research exploring serious illness communication, palliative care, and family-centered outcomes. Our trainees have presented nationally and co-authored numerous publications that shape the field.

Collaborations and national leadership

Our lab contributes to national guidelines, collaborates across institutions, and participates in leadership roles in professional societies such as:

  • The Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM)
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)
  • The American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine (AAHPM)
  • Pediatric Palliative Care Research Network

We believe improving care for seriously ill children requires collaboration, innovation, and a deep respect for each family’s story.

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