Communication about death with young people and healthcare professionals' experiences of psychological debriefing

Abstract

Death is a common occurrence experienced by everyone, evoking a range of emotions and various coping mechanisms. A systematic review was conducted in the second chapter, aiming to better understand how adults, including caregivers and professionals, communicate with children and young people about the topic of death and dying. Discussions around death and dying can be complex, particularly considering the young person’s developmental stage and the potential emotional impact of this conversation. A thematic synthesis of 16 articles was performed, leading to four analytical themes. These themes reflected different views on communication about death and dying with young people, balancing the needs of both adults and young individuals, and factors that either support or hinder these discussions. The review highlights the value of open communication about death and dying with young people and suggests that future research could explore aspects that facilitate these conversations.
In the third chapter, an empirical project was conducted to explore UK healthcare professionals' experiences of attending a psychological debriefing following the sudden and unexpected death of a child. Research on psychological debriefing varies, with confusion arising from the different terms used and questions about their purpose. Psychological debriefings can be utilised after traumatic events, and for healthcare professionals working in paediatric settings, the sudden and unexpected death of a child can lead to a range of difficult emotions. A qualitative approach was adopted, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine participants. The data collected were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis, resulting in six themes. Results from this study highlighted the value of psychological debriefings as a space for professionals to process their feelings and reconnect with their colleagues following the sudden death of a child. To facilitate systemic and organisational change that enhances the provision of psychological debriefings in healthcare services, further research in this area is necessary.

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Identifiers

ORCID for Lauren Butler: orcid.org/0000-0002-4863-8148

ORCID for Pete Lawrence: orcid.org/0000-0001-6181-433X

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