Making a case: creating a perinatal palliative care service using a perinatal bereavement program model

Kathie Kobler1, Rana Limbo

  • 1Pediatric Palliative Care, Advocate Lutheran General Hospital, Park Ridge, Illinois 60068, USA. kathie.kobler@advocatehealth.com

This article explores the innovative approach of creating a perinatal palliative care service in an institution that already has a perinatal bereavement program. The proposed model focuses on the importance of establishing and maintaining relationship among and between nurses, other clinicians, and parents. The authors examine theoretical and clinical perspectives, recognizing the presence of both grief and hope from the moment of a life-threatening fetal diagnosis. The article identifies key program development processes, potential barriers, and practical implementation strategies as methods to ensure the delivery of seamless perinatal palliative care from diagnosis, through pregnancy, delivery, and the baby's living and dying.

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