Training in Expression of Authentic Condolences in Healthcare: A Pilot Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Medical Education
• Grief Counseling

Background:

• Bereaved parents highly value support from healthcare teams.
• Pediatric residents are key members of end-of-life care teams.
• Formal training in condolence expression for residents is lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a curriculum for pediatric residents on expressing condolences.
• To increase residents' comfort and practice in communicating with bereaved families.

Main Methods:

• Applied Kern's six-step approach for curriculum development.
• Implemented and evaluated an innovative training program.
• Collected quantitative and qualitative data from 12 resident participants.

Main Results:

• Residents' comfort levels with expressing condolences significantly increased post-curriculum.
• Residents reported appreciation and benefit from the training.
• The curriculum was well-received by pilot participants.

Conclusions:

• A novel curriculum for pediatric residents on condolence expression was successfully developed and piloted.
• The training led to enhanced resident comfort in communicating with grieving families.
• Further research will assess the long-term impact of this educational intervention.