Abstract
OBJECTIVES: to present a theoretical model for the interactional context of health professionals and families of children and adolescents under palliative care. METHODS: qualitative study based on the theoretical frameworks of Grounded Theory and Symbolic Interactionism. Ten palliative care professionals took part in this study through semi-structured interviews employing snowball technique from 2020 to 2021. RESULTS: the comparative data analysis resulted in the theoretical model "Searching for human connection to transcend symbolisms in pediatric palliative care". It reveals symbolic elements that substantiate the construction of a collaborative context integrating two phenomena: "Overcoming boundaries and intertwining paths" and "Embracing suffering to weave meaningful experiences". Symbolisms in palliative care guide the behavior of families and professionals, which makes them the key factor to be managed. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: symbolisms and suffering continually integrate the interactional experience of professionals. Empathy and compassion are fundamental elements to enable their connection with families.