Should paediatric units have bereavement support posts?
Eight bereavement support posts in paediatrics and maternity were established using the experience of the Child Bereavement Trust (CBT). Evaluation showed that staff welcomed the informal support and teaching for themselves, as well as support for families; 67% of staff who returned questionnaires felt care for bereaved families had improved as a result of the posts. Many felt that there had been a positive effect on staff retention and stress levels.
Jennings
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The Child Bereavement Trust, Aston House, High Street, West Wycombe, High Wycombe HP14 3AG, UK. penny@jenningsresearch.fsnet.co.uk
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001601:Bereavement; D002648:Child; D003376:Counseling; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000458:organization & administration; D004739:England; D005192:Family Health; D006801:Humans; D015278:Intensive Care Units, Pediatric / Q000458:organization & administration*; D008505:Medical Staff, Hospital / Q000523:psychology; D016272:Occupational Health; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires