Health care professionals' grief after the death of a child

Abstract

To evaluate the intensity of grief experienced by health care professionals (HPs) after the death of a child, to explore factors associated with a memorable death (defined as an unforgettable child's death that has touched them in their career) and to identify the needs of HPs. A cross-sectional study was performed to assess emotional reactions, coping strategies and perceived needs of paediatric HPs in a general hospital. One hundred one HPs (46 nurses, 22 paediatric physicians, 11 paediatric residents, 13 respiratory therapists and nine 'others') completed the questionnaire. The level of grief experienced by HPs after a memorable death was intense. Respiratory therapists showed the highest mean (± SD) intensity of grief after a memorable death versus other HPs, as measured by the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (TRIG) (29±15 versus 16±14; P=0.002). Younger HPs (20 to 25 years of age) reported higher early grief intensity than older ones (older than 50 years of age) (22±16 versus 10±8; P=0.01). There was no significant association between the TRIG score and an HP being a parent, having received palliative care training or the length of his/her relationship with the child and family. Seventy per cent of HPs spoke with their colleagues after the death of a child and 48% with family and friends. Many participants (37%) believed that this social support helped them the most. Grief after a child's death is intense for HPs. This emotional intensity and difference between professions raises issues about the emotional support received following the death of a patient.