How to discuss death with a dying child: a story can help?

Archives de pédiatrie : organe officiel de la Sociéte française de pédiatrie
Anne AuvrignonGuy Leverger

Abstract

Is it necessary - and possible - to discuss death with a child in palliative phase? How should one approach the subject? A recent Swedish study demonstrated the benefits for parents who discussed with their child his or her imminent death, and raised the question of the role nursing can play to help parents. The mother of one child treated in our unit recently wrote a story 48 hours before the child's death. The story served to broach a number of recurrent questions often raised by dying children and their families: fear of the unknown, of being replaced, the inevitability of death, grief, and fear of being forgotten... The story was given to 13 families with dying children. In order to evaluate the story's impact on families and to determine whether a document which stimulates dialogue should continue to be given to parents, we asked that they fill out a questionnaire. Fifty-five percent of parents answered, and confirmed that the story was experienced as a positive thing and helped parents to talk with their children. This study raises many questions and should be part of a global accompaniment strategy. A review of medical, general and children's literature, as well the results of our study, lead us to conclude that the medi...Continue Reading

References

Jul 1, 1993·Pediatric Hematology and Oncology·A Goldman, D Christie
Nov 1, 1995·Child: Care, Health and Development·S A Pettle, C M Britten
Mar 31, 2000·Medical and Pediatric Oncology·R NitschkeH Huszti
Jul 16, 2004·The New England Journal of Medicine·Doron Gothelf, Ian J Cohen
Sep 17, 2004·The New England Journal of Medicine·Ulrika KreicbergsGunnar Steineck

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