Supporting children and families facing the death of a parent: part 2

To report on the views of children, parents and key stakeholders of a new bereavement support service for families where a parent is dying from cancer.

A qualitative pre- and post-intervention evaluation design was used. Case study methods allowed multiple perspectives to be accessed so broadening the scope of the evaluation.

A purposeful sample of six families was recruited from the community palliative care service. Each case study comprised a family, a health professional and the family support worker. Six key stakeholders also contributed data.

Data gathering included individual and family group interviews, non-participant observation and interviews with nominated health professionals, key stakeholders and the family support worker. Analysis of pre- and post-intervention data were supported by QSR NVivo.

Children and families with complex and/or enduring needs benefited from the specialist expertise and interventions provided by this service.

Risk assessment procedures should be used to identify need and ensure limited resources are directed appropriately. Many children and families can be supported within the community drawing on their own social networks.