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Child bereavement—what matters to the families. Part 2: The long term
  1. Shona Elizabeth Johnston1,
  2. Suzanne McAllister2,
  3. Catriona Norden3,
  4. Keta Keens4,
  5. Katharine Jones5,
  6. Gillian Smith6,
  7. Rebecca Duncombe7,
  8. Laura Barnett8,
  9. Amy Krepska9
  1. 1 Department of Paediatrics, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
  2. 2 Department of Neonatology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
  3. 3 Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Craigavon Area Hospital, Portadown, UK
  4. 4 General Practice, Holland House Surgery, Lytham St Annes, UK
  5. 5 General Practice, Clerklands Surgery, Woodlands & Clerklands Partnership, Horley, UK
  6. 6 Department of Paediatrics, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff, UK
  7. 7 Department of Paediatrics, Buckinghamshire Hospitals NHS Trust, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, UK
  8. 8 General Practice, Gladstone House Surgery, Ilkeston, UK
  9. 9 Department of Anaesthetics, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Queensland, Australia
  1. Correspondence to Dr Shona Elizabeth Johnston; Shona.Johnston{at}ouh.nhs.uk

Abstract

The death of a child is a devastating event. Families experience profound grief and loss immediately following the death, and this remains and evolves as time progresses. In this, the second in a series, we discuss the importance of longer term bereavement care and how continuing contact with healthcare can be navigated. As bereaved parents who are also doctors, we again share our experiences. The complex nature of parenting, supporting siblings or managing a pregnancy after loss are explored, and we look at the involvement of bereaved parents in developing bereavement services.

  • Neonatology
  • Paediatrics

https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2023-326387

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    Footnotes

    • X @ZebrasNotHorses

    • Contributors SEJ developed the concept for the article. SEJ, SM and AK wrote the initial draft. AK performed a literature search and a comprehensive review and provided much advice. All authors contributed their personal experiences and knowledge, and contributed to writing and reviewing the article.

    • Funding The authors have not declared a specific grant for this research from any funding agency in the public, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

    • Competing interests SEJ has a sessional role with the Oxford School of GP VTS training to teach GP trainees on paediatric topics—this has included one session on child bereavement care. She is also a qualified coach, and coaches healthcare professionals on a freelance basis. LB is a trustee for Forever Stars, a baby loss charity in Nottingham, UK.

    • Provenance and peer review Not commissioned; externally peer reviewed.

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