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Evaluating the Benefit of Bereavement Mailings at a Large Pediatric Center
1JoEllen Edson, BSN, RN, CPHON, is bereavement coordinator and staff nurse III, Inpatient Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, MA.
Insights
Bereaved parents value meaningful contact with their child
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Oncology
- Hematology
- Bereavement Support
Background:
- Boston Children's Hospital's Hematology/Oncology Bereavement Program has supported families for 30 years.
- Continuous program improvement necessitates analysis of current practices and literature.
- Childhood cancer and blood disorder deaths create profound parental grief.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of the current bereavement program.
- To identify key elements contributing to positive bereavement experiences for parents.
- To inform ongoing program development and enhancement.
Main Methods:
- A 22-item Likert-type survey was administered to bereaved parents.
- The survey targeted parents who used the bereavement program over a four-year period.
- Data analysis included quantitative survey results and qualitative parent remarks.
Main Results:
- Parental feedback highlighted the significance of post-death contact with healthcare teams.
- Meaningful interactions were identified as crucial for parental coping and support.
- The study underscores the program's positive impact on bereaved families.
Conclusions:
- Continued meaningful contact with healthcare providers is vital for bereaved parents.
- The bereavement program effectively supports families coping with pediatric cancer/blood disorder loss.
- Program evaluation and literature review are essential for sustained quality care.
Abstract:
The Boston Children's Hospital Hematology/Oncology Bereavement Program has supported bereaved parents for three decades following the death of their child from cancer or blood disorder. An analysis of the current bereavement program as well as a review of up-to-date literature is crucial to maintaining and continuously improving the program. To evaluate the current practice, a 22-item Likert-type survey was mailed to 216 bereaved parents who utilized the bereavement program during a four-year period. Results from the program evaluation, particularly the qualitative remarks from bereaved parents, along with analysis of current literature underscore the value bereaved families find having at least one meaningful contact with their child's healthcare team following the death.
