"I'll never forget those cold words as long as I live": parent perceptions of death notification for stillbirth

Suzanne Pullen1, Mindi Ann Golden, Joanne Cacciatore

  • 1Hugh Downs School of Human Communication, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85287, USA. suzanne.p.pullen@gmail.com

This qualitative study analyzed stillbirth notification messages recalled by parents who strongly agreed (n = 47) and strongly disagreed (n = 43) that the way news about the death of their infant was delivered negatively impacted their grieving process. Three message elements formed a core stillbirth notification experience (delay of news delivery; expression of sympathy; communication of death), and three additional message elements occurred in both data sets (communication regarding options; expression of uncertainty; exit of health care provider); however, the messages differed in form and frequency between the two groups. Three message elements reflected opposing experiences for the two groups (support of parent emotion; continuity of care; and information provision). Recommendations for stillbirth notification that emphasize acknowledging parent perceptions, clear language and information, empathetic communication, and continuity of care are given.

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