Evaluating the Benefit of Bereavement Mailings at a Large Pediatric Center

Abstract

The Boston Children’s Hospital Hematology/Oncology Bereavement Program has supported bereaved parents for three decades following the death of their child from cancer or blood disorder. An analysis of the current bereavement program as well as a review of up-to-date literature is crucial to maintaining and continuously improving the program. To evaluate the current practice, a 22-item Likert-type survey was mailed to 216 bereaved parents who utilized the bereavement program during a four-year period. Results from the program evaluation, particularly the qualitative remarks from bereaved parents, along with analysis of current literature underscore the value bereaved families find having at least one meaningful contact with their child’s healthcare team following the death.