Context of a neonatal death affects parental perception of end-of-life care, anxiety and depression in the first year of bereavement.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Neonatal death is often preceded by end-of-life medical decisions. This study aimed to determine whether the context of death - after a decision of withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining treatment (WWLST) or despite maximum care - was associated with subsequent risk of parental anxiety or depression. The secondary objective was to assess parents' perceptions of end-of-life care according to death context.

Methods

Prospective single center observational study of all neonatal deaths in a neonatal intensive care unit over a 5-year period. Data were collected during hospitalization and from face-to-face interviews with parents 3 months after the infant's death. Anxiety and depression were assessed using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires,

SUBMITTER: Cambonie G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10182590 | biostudies-literature | 2023 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature