Raising the bar: development of a perinatal bereavement programme

Area of Science:

• Perinatal Medicine
• Healthcare Management
• Psychosocial Support

Background:

• Perinatal loss significantly impacts families, necessitating high-quality, compassionate care from healthcare providers.
• Existing care models may not adequately address the complex needs of families experiencing perinatal loss.
• Developing a structured perinatal bereavement program is crucial for consistent and effective support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and components of a hospital-wide perinatal bereavement program.
• To highlight the importance of individualized care for families experiencing perinatal loss.
• To provide a framework for institutions to implement comprehensive bereavement support.

Main Methods:

• Program development involving leadership, administrative, and financial support.
• Focus on communication strategies and staff education/support.
• Implementation of a process for individualized family care.

Main Results:

• A structured perinatal bereavement program was established.
• Key components identified include leadership support, staff training, and individualized care plans.
• The program aims to provide compassionate and excellent care to all families experiencing perinatal loss.

Conclusions:

• Hospital-wide perinatal bereavement programs are essential for providing quality care to families experiencing loss.
• Such programs require dedicated support, well-trained staff, and a focus on individual family needs.
• Effective bereavement care can help families navigate the challenges of perinatal loss.