Supporting bereaved parents: practical steps in providing compassionate perinatal and neonatal end-of-life care. A North American perspective

Constance Williams; David Munson; John Zupancic; Haresh Kirpalani

doi:10.1016/j.siny.2008.03.005

Supporting bereaved parents: practical steps in providing compassionate perinatal and neonatal end-of-life care. A North American perspective

Semin Fetal Neonatal Med. 2008 Oct;13(5):335-40. doi: 10.1016/j.siny.2008.03.005. Epub 2008 May 12.

Authors

Constance Williams¹, David Munson, John Zupancic, Haresh Kirpalani

Affiliation

¹ Division of Neonatology, Hospital for Sick Children, University of Toronto, Canada.

PMID: 18472317
DOI: 10.1016/j.siny.2008.03.005

Abstract

Providing compassionate bereavement support challenges care-givers in perinatal medicine. A practical and consistent approach tailored to individual families may increase the care-giver's ability to relieve parental grief. This approach includes: (1) clear and consistent communication compassionately delivered; (2) shared decision-making; (3) physical and emotional support; and (4) follow-up medical, psychological and social care. Challenges to providing comprehensive end-of-life care include care-giver comfort, consistency of care, cultural and legal barriers, and lack of adequate training.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adaptation, Psychological
Attitude to Death
Bereavement*
Communication
Culture
Decision Making
Empathy*
Health Personnel / education
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
Palliative Care
Parents / psychology*
Patient Care Team
Patient Participation
Professional-Family Relations*
Social Support*
Trust