One Size Doesn't Fit All in Early Pediatric Oncology Bereavement Support

Parents who experience the death of a child have significantly higher rates of psychological distress compared to non-bereaved parents. The effectiveness of current bereavement supports, and ideal types and timing of future supportive interventions aimed at improving negative sequalae are relatively unknown.

This interview-based study explored the early bereavement needs of 15 parents of children who died from cancer, including the bereavement support received, perceived barriers to support, and desired additional supportive interventions.

Parents who previously participated in a survey-based study examining the early grief experience were invited to partake in a semi-structured interview. Interviews focused on examining bereavement support for parents within the first three years following the child's death and barriers to adequate support; transcribed interviews underwent thematic analysis.

Fifteen parents completed the interview; 14 parents (93%) were White and non-Hispanic, five were male. Parents participated on average 19 months (range 12-34) following their child's death. Parents identified numerous supports that were and were not helpful. Augmented informative materials, professional, organized, and religious/spiritual support, and connections with others were identified as key elements in a supportive intervention.

Bereaved parents identified many supportive needs, most of which already exist at the community and institution level. Suggestions outlined by parents may provide a useful framework for developing novel supportive interventions and ways to tailor strategies to support bereaved parents. Researchers must continue to seek feedback from bereaved parents and families about their met and unmet needs and use this information to design early supportive bereavement interventions.