Are we getting it right? Parents' perceptions of hospice child bereavement support services

Abstract

Objective : To determine parents' experiences and perceptions of a support service for families with bereaved children, provided by a UK charity for cancer patients in seven hospices in the UK. Method : Individual interviews with 25 purposively selected parents. Results : Parents used the service for: advice and reassurance; support for their children while they grieved; and advice on ameliorating behavioural difficulties at home and school. Non-service users did not think formalised support was necessary or had other sufficient support. Nevertheless, important to parents in both groups was that the service existed so their children's needs were being or could be addressed. Children and their parents benefited from talking to a non-family member, and being involved in social events that reduced feelings of isolation. Conclusion : The hospice child bereavement service was offered as an integral part of palliative cancer care support. Future research could explore collaborative work between counsellors and other professionals. Pallative Medicine 2007; 21: 401—407