Creating a safe space’: how perinatal palliative care coordinators navigate care and support for families

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Families who learn that their unborn baby has a life-limiting fetal condition are often overwhelmed by this news, alongside navigating an unfamiliar healthcare system. A skilled perinatal palliative care coordinator (PPCC) can help these families, yet little is known about their function and roles. AIMS: This study sought to describe the PPCC’s approach to care, their guiding principles and the roles, knowledge and skills that enable them to provide exemplary care. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study included interviews of 12 expert PPCCs. Directed content analysis was used to identify major codes. Iterative analysis led to theme identification. FINDINGS: Findings include the PPCC’s position within the healthcare system, guiding principles, goals, roles and responsibilities, and knowledge and skills. Two figures enhance the understanding of the PPCCs approach to creating a safe space for the family, supporting the interdisciplinary team and facilitating coordinated birth planning. CONCLUSIONS: Every perinatal palliative care programme should include a PPCC. Future research on clinical training could examine the effectiveness of an educational intervention, using the detailed knowledge and skills learned in this study as a curriculum.