“Golden” moments and more in grief talk: Healthcare professionals’ approaches to discussing loss and grief with parents of children with severe neurological impairment

BACKGROUND: Experiential studies on healthcare professionals' approaches to loss and grief discussions with parents of children with severe neurological impairment are needed to understand grief experiences of this emerging populationAim:This study aimed to explore healthcare professionals' experiences regarding their approach to these discussions, as well as to gather recommendations for best practices in initiating these conversations. DESIGN: A qualitative exploratory study was conducted. Transcripts were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, adhering to the reflexive thematic analysis reporting guidelines (RTARG). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: = 20) from medical, health, allied health, and social care disciplines. Participants were recruited within hospital, hospice, community, and disability settings in Ireland. RESULTS: They represent how professionals purposefully engaged in loss and grief discussions, attuning to moments when parents were receptive to such discussions. Professionals emphasised the need to respect parents' autonomy in seeking and accepting grief support. Compassionate communication was central to these discussions. CONCLUSIONS: This study represents a foundational step in understanding how professionals approach discussions of loss and grief. The themes underscore the need for increased awareness among professionals to ensure grief support is available at the level of contact, as advocated by the public health model of bereavement support. This study emphasises the importance of supporting bereavement care throughout the condition trajectory.