Bereavement support following sudden and unexpected death in children

Abstract 

Dealing with families who have suffered a sudden and unexpected death is a skill that may be needed by any paediatrician. Offering a bereavement follow-up meeting to such families is part of accepted practice, and is perceived to be of value in helping the family to come to terms with the loss. Unfortunately, there is very little guidance on the objectives for such a meeting, or the training required to help staff conduct such meetings.

In developing such a programme, staff need to understand the basic theories of grief, as well as having a practical approach to their objectives during any meeting. This should include consideration of the best timing for any meetings, information sharing, sibling support, ward visits and pathological reactions.

Keywords: bereavement care,attitude to death,childhood death