Journal article
Bereaved parents' perceptions of the autopsy examination of their child
J Sullivan, P Monagle
Pediatrics | Published : 2011
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: In this study we explored parental views of their child's autopsy, their experiences with autopsy-related processes, and the impact of the examination on their grief. METHODS: A survey design with a mailed questionnaire was used. The inclusion criteria were that an autopsy had been performed on the child and it was at least 3 months since his or her death. The questionnaire consisted of nonidentifying demographic details about the child, a standardized grief measure (parts A and B of the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief), and 28 questions with response sets and opportunities for comment. Fifty-three parents participated. RESULTS: Our findings suggest a complexity of perceptions as..
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Funding Acknowledgements
The generosity of parents who contributed to the study and the parent consultants from SIDS and Kids and the SIDS and Kids counseling service is gratefully acknowledged. Thanks also go to Professor Sydney Zisook for his generous permission to use the Texas Revised Inventory of Grief (1981), the Social Work Department at the Royal Children's Hospital for its support of the study, Associate Professor Phillip Swain for project supervision and guidance, and Associate Professor Louise Harms (School of Social Work, University of Melbourne) for reviewing our drafts.