Parents say... | Module 3 | Child Bereavement for Doctors

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability. After the presentation that follows, you’ll have a chance to reconsider your answers. You’ll also be able to receive feedback.

1 All attempts at resuscitating a child have failed and the parents are waiting in the bereavement room. What do you actually say to the parents?

a Ask them some general, caring questions about how they are and use a gentle approach, eventually trying to help by telling them that the fatal accident was not their fault.

b Tell parents their child (name) has died and leave them alone to absorb the news, explaining that a nurse is making them some tea and will be with them soon.

c Tell them immediately how sorry you are that their child (name) has died and that everything possible was done.

2 When a child under your care has died, you feel you want to say “sorry”. Should you?

a Yes.

b No.

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