Caring for the bereaved parent: Guidelines for practice

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.

Family members' experiences with intensive care unit diaries when the patient does not survive

“…Some participants stated that they would read the diary at a later time because they had so many things to do related to the loss of the relative. We can only hypothesise whether that sentiment referred to the acute grief phase or whether the participants were avoiding the diary as a sign of PTSD . The diary is regarded as an intervention that might prevent or reduce PTSD symptomatology in patients and relatives .…”

“…Everyone grieves differently, and all ways to grieve are valid. We interpreted this attitude as that the participant was still mourning the loss of their relative because the literature states that the acute grief phase often lasts ~2 months to 2 years . Perhaps we should have adopted a longer time‐based perspective because we did not know anything about how the relationship between the patient and participant influenced the diary writing.…”