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Am J Perinatol 2022; 39(04): 401-408
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1716481
Original Article

Providing Support for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Health Care Professionals: A Bereavement Debriefing Program

Katheleen Hawes
1   Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
2   Brown Center for the Study of Children at Risk, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Justin Goldstein
3   Department of Neonatology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Sharon Vessella
3   Department of Neonatology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Richard Tucker
3   Department of Neonatology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
,
Beatrice E. Lechner
1   Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
3   Department of Neonatology, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island
› Author Affiliations Funding None.
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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate formal bereavement debriefing sessions after infant death on neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) staff.

Study Design Prospective mixed methods study. Pre- and postbereavement debriefing intervention surveys were sent to clinical staff. Evaluation surveys were distributed to participants after each debriefing session. Notes on themes were taken during each session.

Results More staff attended sessions (p < 0.0001) and attended more sessions (p < 0.0001) during the postdebriefing intervention epoch compared with the predebriefing epoch. Stress levels associated with the death of a patient whose family the care provider have developed a close relationship with decreased (p = 0.0123). An increased number of debriefing session participants was associated with infant age at the time of death (p = 0.03). Themes were (1) family and provider relationships, (2) evaluation of the death, (3) team cohesion, (4) caring for one another, and (5) emotional impact.

Conclusion Bereavement debriefings for NICU staff reduced the stress of caring for dying infants and contributed to staff well-being.

Key Points

  • Providing end-of-life care in NICU is challenging.

  • Debriefings assist staff in coping with grief.

  • Staff well-being impacts patient care.

Keywords

NICU staff - professional quality of life - end-of-life experiences - end-of-life care

Authors' Contributions

K.H. drafted the initial manuscript, participated in the study, critically reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript as submitted. J.G., S.V., and R.T. participated in the study, critically reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript as submitted. B.E.L. conceptualized and designed the study, participated in the study, critically reviewed and revised the manuscript, and approved the final manuscript as submitted. All authors approved the final manuscript as submitted and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.




Publication History

Received: 27 March 2020

Accepted: 31 July 2020

Article published online:
07 September 2020

© 2020. Thieme. All rights reserved.

Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.
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