Anticipatory Grief and Bereavement

Grief is a universal process among children with serious illness and their parents and family members. The grieving process often begins at time of diagnosis, continues throughout the illness, and into bereavement. The death of a child is a devastating event that results in grief that is long-lasting. Parents, siblings, extended family members, friends, members of the care team, and the wider community are all affected by the loss and may require support. Grief can result in different psychological, spiritual, or physical manifestations, and there are many cultural, spiritual, and/or religious familial aspects to grief that must be considered. Interdisciplinary care providers should be aware of the factors associated with anticipatory grief and bereavement as well as supportive interventions that can be provided throughout the disease process, at the end of life, and following the child’s death.