Publications
Delivery of unwanted news: diagnosis and assessment of needs
The death of a child is one of the most traumatic events a parent and family can experience. This chapter includes descriptions of the signs and symptoms of an imminent death, and cultural practices and spiritual considerations when caring for a dying child and their family.
- Authors
Stacey Power-Walsh
- Year
- 2025
- Category
- Book chapter
- Keywords
- Bereavement care, Fatal fetal anomaly
- Project
- Full Citation
Saad R, Power-Walsh S. Delivery of unwanted news: diagnosis and assessment of needs. In: Children's Palliative Nursing Care. Routledge; 2025. https://www.routledge.com/Childrens-Palliative-Nursing-Care/Randall-Nilson-Downing/p/book/9781032470719.
- Link to Publication
- https://www.routledge.com/Childrens-Palliative-Nursing-Care/Randall-Nilson-Downing/p/book/9781032470719
Abstract
The death of a child is one of the most traumatic events a parent and family can experience, changing every aspect of the family's life. This chapter includes descriptions of the signs and symptoms of an imminent death, and cultural practices and spiritual considerations when caring for a dying child and their family. Communication at end of life is also discussed. Practical guidance on the care of the body following the death is provided, supporting the family, and examples of legal requirements. Finally, a brief overview of grief theories, different ways parents and siblings grieve, and the role that nurses and voluntary organisations play in providing bereavement care and support to meet the individual needs of parents and families is provided.