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Betke M, Stiel S, Schwabe S. Bereavement Counsellors' Experiences Supporting the Families of Deceased Children Within a German Bereavement Network- A Qualitative Interview Study. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2024:302228241233329. [PMID: 38358305 DOI: 10.1177/00302228241233329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Background: The "Bereavement Network Lower Saxony" (BNLS) provides professional bereavement support to families grieving for a child. The present study aimed at exploring the experiences of BNLS bereavement counsellors in providing bereavement support to affected families. Methods: 12 semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with bereavement counsellors of the BNLS between June and August 2022. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis, according to Mayring (2010). Results: Bereavement counsellors perceived that grief could be experienced very differently, and thus bereavement support must always be based on the individual needs and resources of bereaved family members. Bereavement counsellors appreciated exchange within the network and supervision to cope with emotional load that arises from compassion for those affected. Conclusions: Bereavement support within a network structure may improve the accessibility of individual support and enable exchange between counsellors, thus ensuring better bereavement support. Public outreach and strategic partnerships with clinics may amplify the positive impact of this support service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merle Betke
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stephanie Stiel
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sven Schwabe
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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2
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Loxton I, Oxlad M, Perry A. Consulting parents bereaved by childhood cancer: A qualitative study to improve bereavement services. DEATH STUDIES 2022; 47:891-901. [PMID: 36344115 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2022.2142325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Twelve Australian parents bereaved by childhood cancer were interviewed about their experiences of, and preferences for, bereavement support, to inform recommendations to improve bereavement care. Reflexive thematic analysis resulted in five themes: Care, empathy, and connection assist with bereavement; Communication makes a difference; Early and ongoing support is desired; Gender matters when grieving the loss of a child; and The pull of peer support. Parents can be assisted through empathy, early and ongoing support, enhanced communication, peer support, and care that is inclusive of all genders. Parents in non-metropolitan areas require increased and flexible support options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Loxton
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Melissa Oxlad
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Anna Perry
- School of Psychology, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
- Childhood Cancer Association, Adelaide, Australia
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McNeil MJ, Kiefer A, Woods C, Barnett B, Berry‐Carter K, Clark L, Mandrell BN, Snaman J, Kaye EC, Baker JN. "You are not alone": Connecting through a bereaved parent mentor program for parents whose child died of cancer. Cancer Med 2022; 11:3332-3341. [PMID: 35362669 PMCID: PMC9468435 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bereavement after the death of a child is devastating and associated with worse physical and psychosocial well-being in parents. Evidence suggests that parents desire and benefit from support provided by other bereaved parents. To foster this peer support, an institutional peer-to-peer mentorship program for bereaved parents was established, through which trained bereaved parent mentors offer support for newly bereaved parents. METHODS Using a retrospective cohort design, we describe the characteristics of participants of the Bereaved Parent Mentorship program. Trained bereaved parent mentors documented encounters with newly bereaved parent mentees using a secure internet-based form. Mentors summarized each encounter including any concerns or need for professional psychosocial support. Descriptive statistics were used to describe mentor and mentee characteristics; free text from encounter summaries was qualitatively analyzed using content analysis. RESULTS A total of 1368 documented encounters occurred between 150 mentees and 39 mentors from January 1, 2014 to February 29, 2020. Only seven encounters (0.5%) were flagged as serious concern necessitating professional psychosocial support. Four key themes in the encounters between mentors and mentees emerged, including: descriptions of the grief experience, ways in which a mentor supported their mentee, challenges the mentor experienced in supporting the mentee, and personal benefit gained by the mentor from supporting their mentee. CONCLUSION This structured Bereaved Parent Mentorship program fostered rich interactions between bereaved parent participants, with very few encounters requiring professional assistance. Future research will assess the impact of bereaved mentor programs on resilience and psychosocial, physical, and functional well-being of parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. McNeil
- Division of Quality and Life and Palliative Care, Department of OncologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
- Department of Global Pediatric MedicineSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital MemphisMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Ashley Kiefer
- Children's Hospital New OrleansNew OrleansLouisianaUSA
| | - Cameka Woods
- Division of Quality and Life and Palliative Care, Department of OncologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Brittany Barnett
- Department of Family, Guest and Volunteer ServicesSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital MemphisMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Kathryn Berry‐Carter
- Department of Family, Guest and Volunteer ServicesSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital MemphisMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Lisa Clark
- Division of Quality and Life and Palliative Care, Department of OncologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Belinda N. Mandrell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Nursing ResearchSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital MemphisMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Jennifer Snaman
- Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative CareDana‐Farber Cancer InstituteBostonMassachusettsUSA
- Department of PediatricsBoston Children's HospitalBostonMassachusettsUSA
| | - Erica C. Kaye
- Division of Quality and Life and Palliative Care, Department of OncologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
| | - Justin N. Baker
- Division of Quality and Life and Palliative Care, Department of OncologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTennesseeUSA
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Schoonover KL, Prokop L, Lapid MI. Valuable Informal Bereavement Support Strategies for Bereaved Parents of Stillborn, Young Children, and Adult Children: A Scoping Review. J Palliat Care 2022; 37:381-400. [PMID: 35354346 DOI: 10.1177/08258597211062762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background: Informal support of a bereaved parent is common after the loss of a child (stillborn, young or adult child); however, it is not clear which aspects of informal support were perceived to be helpful by the bereaved parent. The aim of this scoping review is to clarify from the standpoint of bereaved parents what are considered helpful and unhelpful characteristics of informal support given by the support network of bereaved parents. Methods: A comprehensive search of databases from 2000 to April 20, 2020 was conducted for clinical studies published in English on informal bereavement support of adult bereaved parents of stillborn to adult children; 52 articles met criteria for the scoping review. The databases included Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, and Daily, Ovid EMBASE, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Ovid PsycINFO, and Scopus. Results: Specific supportive strategies reported by parents as helpful more frequently included talking with other supportive persons felt to be supportive, meeting another person with a similar type of loss, and a loss-specific peer support group. Other support included peer support groups in general, tangible aid, talking with the spouse about the child who died and/or accepting each other's different grieving styles, and remembrance gestures. Specific supportive strategies reported by parents as unhelpful more frequently included feeling of stigma or blame due to type of death or feeling that the type of death was not considered equal to other deaths and platitudes & insensitive comments. Other unhelpful support included talking with others felt to be unsupportive about discussing the loss, others stating a time limit to grief, others actively avoiding or stopping all communication with the bereaved parent, and one spouse not accepting the grieving style of the other or the spouse not willing to discuss the loss. Conclusion: Support focused on supportive verbal and nonverbal communication towards the bereaved parent and tangible aid were noted to be helpful informal support. Feeling stigma for or judged by others due to the type of death or the death not being considered equal (such as in deaths due to suicide and stillborn deaths) to other types of deaths as well as informational support (utilization of clichés/platitudes, advice giving, statements about the process and end point of grieving) were noted to be unhelpful informal support.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria I Lapid
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.,Mayo Clinic Hospice, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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5
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Seo W, Lee H, Oh S, Sa H, Kim H. [Bereavement Care for Parents in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Literature Review]. CHILD HEALTH NURSING RESEARCH 2020; 26:286-295. [PMID: 35004472 PMCID: PMC8650932 DOI: 10.4094/chnr.2020.26.2.286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to review studies investigating the effect of bereavement care provided for parents in the neonatal intensive care unit. Methods We conducted a literature review of databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and CINAHL) for studies published in English and four databases (RISS, KISS, NANET, and KoreaMed) for Korean studies. The selection criteria included original articles that evaluated the parents' perceptions or responses to bereavement care provided in the neonatal intensive care unit. Of 889 articles from the initial screening, 66 articles underwent full-text review and five articles were finally selected for analysis. Results None of the studies was conducted in Korea. Only one study used a randomized control trial design. The forms of bereavement care reviewed included a provision of a memory package, grief information, and emotional and/or social support from peers or health care providers. The effectiveness of bereavement care was measured by including grief, social support, and depression. Conclusion Bereavement care can be considered to be beneficial for relieving grief reactions and enhancing the personal growth of bereaved parents. Future research should assess the needs of bereaved parents in Korea. Nurses may play a role in developing the bereavement care for parents.
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Kochen EM, Jenken F, Boelen PA, Deben LMA, Fahner JC, van den Hoogen A, Teunissen SCCM, Geleijns K, Kars MC. When a child dies: a systematic review of well-defined parent-focused bereavement interventions and their alignment with grief- and loss theories. BMC Palliat Care 2020; 19:28. [PMID: 32164668 PMCID: PMC7068872 DOI: 10.1186/s12904-020-0529-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The availability of interventions for bereaved parents have increased. However, most are practice based. To enhance the implementation of bereavement care for parents, an overview of interventions which are replicable and evidence-based are needed. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of well-defined bereavement interventions, focused on the parents, and delivered by regular health care professionals. Also, we explore the alignment between the interventions identified and the concepts contained in theories on grief in order to determine their theoretical evidence base. METHOD A systematic review was conducted using the methods PALETTE and PRISMA. The search was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL. We included articles containing well-defined, replicable, paediatric bereavement interventions, focused on the parent, and performed by regular health care professionals. We excluded interventions on pathological grief, or interventions performed by healthcare professionals specialised in bereavement care. Quality appraisal was evaluated using the risk of bias, adapted risk of bias, or COREQ. In order to facilitate the evaluation of any theoretical foundation, a synthesis of ten theories about grief and loss was developed showing five key concepts: anticipatory grief, working models or plans, appraisal processes, coping, and continuing bonds. RESULTS Twenty-one articles were included, describing fifteen interventions. Five overarching components of intervention were identified covering the content of all interventions. These were: the acknowledgement of parenthood and the child's life; establishing keepsakes; follow-up contact; education and information, and; remembrance activities. The studies reported mainly on how to conduct, and experiences with, the interventions, but not on their effectiveness. Since most interventions lacked empirical evidence, they were evaluated against the key theoretical concepts which showed that all the components of intervention had a theoretical base. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of empirical evidence supporting the effectiveness of most interventions, their alignment with theoretical components shows support for most interventions on a conceptual level. Parents should be presented with a range of interventions, covered by a variety of theoretical components, and aimed at supporting different needs. Bereavement interventions should focus more on the continuous process of the transition parents experience in readjusting to a new reality. TRIAL REGISTRATION This systematic review was registered in Prospero (registration number: CRD42019119241).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline M Kochen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Floor Jenken
- Department Woman and Baby, Wilhelmina Childrens Hospital, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul A Boelen
- Department of clinical psychology, Utrecht University, Heidelberglaan 1, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Nienoord 5, 1112 XE, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - Laura M A Deben
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurrianne C Fahner
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Agnes van den Hoogen
- Department Woman and Baby, Wilhelmina Childrens Hospital, Lundlaan 6, 3584 EA, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia C C M Teunissen
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Geleijns
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Marijke C Kars
- Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Kim MA, Yi J, Sang J, Jung D. A photovoice study on the bereavement experience of mothers after the death of a child. DEATH STUDIES 2019; 45:390-404. [PMID: 31418648 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2019.1648333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the bereavement experience of mothers after losing a child to cancer in Korea, using photovoice. The mothers took photos reflecting five subject areas they selected: (a) if I had one more day with my child, (b) memories with my child, (c) dreaming of my child's healthy future, (d) what gave me strength, and (e) fulfilling my child's wishes for the future. The findings show that mothers who lost a child to cancer need bereavement care to promote well-being. This study can help pediatric oncology providers develop bereavement interventions that address parental grief and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Ah Kim
- Department of Social Welfare, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehee Yi
- College of Social Work, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jina Sang
- School of Social Work, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, USA
| | - Daehee Jung
- Department of Social Work, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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8
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Marwah S, Gaikwad HS, Mittal P. Psychosocial Implications of Stillborn Babies on Mother and Family: A Review from Tertiary Care Infirmary in India. J Obstet Gynaecol India 2018; 69:232-238. [PMID: 31178638 DOI: 10.1007/s13224-018-1173-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 08/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background When a mother loses a baby after the period of viability, there is no way to fathom her grief, neither any words, nor an explanation. It is an unexpected event. Stillbirth presents a situation where the early activation of the grief process primarily in mother is exacerbated by the circumstances surrounding the loss. It thus becomes imperative for the healthcare providers to evaluate the significance of parent's perception on the loss and the factors contributing to it before the initiation of therapy. Objective To evaluate the psychosocial impact of stillbirth among mothers and its contributing factors. Materials and Methods A WHO-funded prospective study was conducted in VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital from September 2015 to August 2016 on all women who gave birth to a stillborn baby, using a questionnaire based on EPDS, after taking their written informed consent. Data were entered on the predesigned proforma and analyzed after applying Chi-square test, keeping a null hypothesis value of 15% for all the variables. Results Out of the 709 women who delivered stillborn babies, 645 respondents, who willingly consented to participate, were included in the study. There was a significant relationship between psychosocial impact after perinatal loss and support from caregiver and family. Conclusion Mothers with stillborn fetuses should be screened for psychosocial impact and offered support when needed. Appropriate counseling by healthcare providers and continued psychosocial and emotional support by family members must be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheeba Marwah
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecoclogy, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, 110029 India
| | - Harsha Shailesh Gaikwad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecoclogy, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, 110029 India
| | - Pratima Mittal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecoclogy, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi, 110029 India
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Yildiz H, Cimete G. The effect of a grief support program on Turkish parents whose babies have died. DEATH STUDIES 2017; 41:602-610. [PMID: 28486074 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2017.1326541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the Grief Support Program on the bereavement of parents whose babies had died. The sample consisted of 77 couples. The data was collected by the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief and the Coping Strategies Inventory. The intervention group was offered before, immediately after, and a month after death of their baby in accordance with the Grief Support Program guideline. The Grief Support Program did not affect grief intensity in the short term but had a positive effect 1 year later.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Yildiz
- a Nursing Faculty, Söke School Health Science , Institution Adnan Menderes University , Aydin , Turkey
| | - Güler Cimete
- b Faculty of Health Sciences, Üsküdar University , Istanbul , Turkey
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10
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Parental experiences with a hospital-based bereavement program following the loss of a child to cancer. Palliat Support Care 2016; 15:348-358. [DOI: 10.1017/s1478951516000821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjective:The death of a child from cancer is an intense and life-changing loss for a parent. Guided by the principles of patient- and family-centered care, hospital-based caregivers developed a program to provide bereavement support for parents through phone calls and mailings. The aim of the present qualitative phenomenological study was to understand how parents experienced participating in this bereavement program.Method:A total of eight parents from six families participated in a focus-group evaluation of the two-year hospital-based bereavement program. Two social work clinicians/researchers independently analyzed the transcript of the focus group to define themes.Results:Four themes were identified: (1) lived experience of grief, (2) importance of relationships with the hospital-based team, (3) bereavement support from hospital-based providers, and (4) extending bereavement care.Significance of Results:Participants indicated the value of ongoing communication and connection with members of the healthcare team, who were often central to a family's life for years during their child's cancer treatment. Parents also provided suggestions for extending bereavement support through continued contact with providers and informal annual gatherings, as well as through a peer (parent-to-parent) support program.
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11
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Forster EM, Donovan H. Enhancing bereavement support skills using simulated neonatal resuscitation. Int J Palliat Nurs 2016; 22:500-507. [DOI: 10.12968/ijpn.2016.22.10.500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Forster
- Senior Lecturer, School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Southern Queensland, Ipswich, Queensland, Australia
| | - Helen Donovan
- Lecturer, School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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12
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Heazell AEP, Siassakos D, Blencowe H, Burden C, Bhutta ZA, Cacciatore J, Dang N, Das J, Flenady V, Gold KJ, Mensah OK, Millum J, Nuzum D, O'Donoghue K, Redshaw M, Rizvi A, Roberts T, Toyin Saraki HE, Storey C, Wojcieszek AM, Downe S. Stillbirths: economic and psychosocial consequences. Lancet 2016; 387:604-616. [PMID: 26794073 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(15)00836-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 361] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite the frequency of stillbirths, the subsequent implications are overlooked and underappreciated. We present findings from comprehensive, systematic literature reviews, and new analyses of published and unpublished data, to establish the effect of stillbirth on parents, families, health-care providers, and societies worldwide. Data for direct costs of this event are sparse but suggest that a stillbirth needs more resources than a livebirth, both in the perinatal period and in additional surveillance during subsequent pregnancies. Indirect and intangible costs of stillbirth are extensive and are usually met by families alone. This issue is particularly onerous for those with few resources. Negative effects, particularly on parental mental health, might be moderated by empathic attitudes of care providers and tailored interventions. The value of the baby, as well as the associated costs for parents, families, care providers, communities, and society, should be considered to prevent stillbirths and reduce associated morbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander E P Heazell
- Institute of Human Development, Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK; International Stillbirth Alliance, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Dimitrios Siassakos
- International Stillbirth Alliance, New York, NY, USA; Academic Centre for Women's Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Hannah Blencowe
- Centre for Maternal Reproductive and Child Health, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Christy Burden
- Academic Centre for Women's Health, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK; Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK
| | - Zulfiqar A Bhutta
- Center for Global Child Health, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada; Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | | | - Nghia Dang
- Institute for Reproductive and Family Health, Hanoi Vinmec International General Hospital, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Jai Das
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Vicki Flenady
- International Stillbirth Alliance, New York, NY, USA; Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Katherine J Gold
- International Stillbirth Alliance, New York, NY, USA; Department of Family Medicine and Department of Obstetrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Joseph Millum
- Clinical Center Department of Bioethics, Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Daniel Nuzum
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Keelin O'Donoghue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University College Cork, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Maggie Redshaw
- National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Arjumand Rizvi
- Center of Excellence in Women and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Tracy Roberts
- Health Economics Unit, School of Health and Population Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Claire Storey
- International Stillbirth Alliance, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aleena M Wojcieszek
- International Stillbirth Alliance, New York, NY, USA; Mater Research Institute, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Soo Downe
- ReaCH group, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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Lichtenthal WG, Sweeney CR, Roberts KE, Corner GW, Donovan LA, Prigerson HG, Wiener L. Bereavement Follow-Up After the Death of a Child as a Standard of Care in Pediatric Oncology. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 62 Suppl 5:S834-69. [PMID: 26700929 PMCID: PMC4692196 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
After a child's death to cancer, families commonly want continued connection with the healthcare team that cared for their child, yet bereavement follow-up is often sporadic. A comprehensive literature search found that many bereaved parents experience poor psychological outcomes during bereavement and that parents want follow-up and benefit from continued connection with their child's healthcare providers. Evidence suggests that the standard of care should consist of at least one meaningful contact between the healthcare team and bereaved parents to identify those at risk for negative psychosocial sequelae and to provide resources for bereavement support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy G. Lichtenthal
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Corinne R. Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, Fairleigh Dickinson University, Teaneck, NJ
| | - Kailey E. Roberts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Geoffrey W. Corner
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Leigh A. Donovan
- School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Holly G. Prigerson
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lori Wiener
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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14
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Price JE, Jones AM. Living Through the Life-Altering Loss of a Child: A Narrative Review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 38:222-40. [DOI: 10.3109/01460862.2015.1045102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Donovan LA, Wakefield CE, Russell V, Cohn RJ. Hospital-based bereavement services following the death of a child: a mixed study review. Palliat Med 2015; 29:193-210. [PMID: 25395578 DOI: 10.1177/0269216314556851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been a breadth of research on the grief experience of parents following the death of a child. However, the role and impact of hospital-based bereaved services remain unclear. AIM To identify services offered to bereaved families in perinatal, neonatal, and pediatric hospital settings and summarize the psychosocial impact of these services and published recommendations for best practice hospital-based bereavement care. DESIGN Systematic review of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed method studies guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist and methodological quality appraised in accordance with the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, and PsychINFO were searched to find studies describing hospital-based bereavement services/interventions for parents, siblings, and grandparents. RESULTS In all, 14 qualitative, 6 quantitative, and 10 mixed method studies were identified. Nine descriptive articles were also included. Qualitatively, family members described feeling cared for and supported by staff, a reduction in sense of isolation, and improved coping and personal growth. Quantitatively, bereavement services have most effect for parents experiencing more complex mourning. It is recommended that bereavement services be theoretically driven and evidence based, offer continuity of care prior to and following the death of a child, and provide a range of interventions for the "whole family" and flexibility in service delivery. CONCLUSIONS There is a role for transitional hospital-based services/interventions for families in the lead up to and following the death of a child. Further mixed method research is required to inform best practice bereavement care guidelines in the perinatal, neonatal, and pediatric hospital settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh A Donovan
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH), Randwick, NSW, Australia School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia Paediatric Palliative Care Service, Royal Children's Hospital (RCH), Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Claire E Wakefield
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH), Randwick, NSW, Australia School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vera Russell
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH), Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard J Cohn
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital (SCH), Randwick, NSW, Australia School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Medicine, University of New South Wales (UNSW), Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Meisenhelder JB, Gibson LE. Caring for the bereaved parent: Guidelines for practice. J Am Assoc Nurse Pract 2015; 27:546-51. [PMID: 25721824 DOI: 10.1002/2327-6924.12224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose of this research review was to create practical guidelines for the primary care practitioner in comforting, counseling, and educating bereaved parents and their significant supporters. DATA SOURCES The authors used an extensive review of the literature for original research reports of bereaved parents' self-identified needs for comfort from their friends, family, and healthcare practitioners. Insight gained from the authors' clinical work with bereaved parents added further understanding. CONCLUSIONS Parents express strong preferences and needs regarding support from both social relationships and healthcare personnel. Specific guidelines were created for use by both friends/family members and health professionals. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Nurse practitioners have an important role in supporting bereaved parents, and educating their friends and family on the most helpful behaviors during this painful time.
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Aho AL, Åstedt-Kurki P, Kaunonen M. Peer Supporters' Experiences of a Bereavement Follow-up Intervention for Grieving Parents. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2014; 68:347-66. [DOI: 10.2190/om.68.4.d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to describe the experiences of peer supporters of a bereavement intervention for grieving parents and how the program should be developed further. The intervention included: a support package for grieving parents, peer supporters' contact, and healthcare personnel's contact with parents. The sample included 16 peer supporters. Data were collected via open-format questionnaires and telephone interviews and analyzed by content analysis. Peer supporters perceived the intervention and its viability as mostly good. Parents' willingness to receive support and peer supporters' good resources were important for the follow-up contact. However, the peer sup-porters' resources were insufficient to meet parents' unexpected needs. Continuous training and systematic supervision of peer supporters is needed. Study results suggest that support interventions aimed at grieving families need a greater number of male supporters, as fathers hope to receive more support from their male counterparts. Inter-organizational cooperation in supporting parents is important and must be further developed.
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