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The morbidity and mortality rates of COVID-19 pandemic are increasing, and many families have lost their loved ones. This study explored the experiences of families living in Iran who lost a loved one to COVID-19. The researchers apply a descriptive phenomenological approach and draw on in-depth interviews with 18 family members who had lost at least one family member because of COVID-19. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi's method. After reviewing and comparing the consistency of the codes, crisis in crisis, circumstances of death and its consequences, and lack of preservation of patient dignity were extracted as main categories. Neglecting grieving families and related issues can lead to delays and difficulties in the process of recovery and intensification of their psychosocial pressures. Acquiring more knowledge about different impacts of COVID-19 will be helpful for providing timely and better rehabilitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The death of a child is an intense loss for families, which impacts the wellbeing of parents, surviving siblings, and the family as a whole. This study expanded on existing literature by collecting qualitative accounts from bereaved parents and siblings about their experiences before, during, and after the death of a child in their family. In total, 15 participants from 9 families completed semi-structured interviews. Findings highlighted three periods of the grieving process, which were not linear but rather ongoing and often happening simultaneously: (1) Crisis; (2) Learning to cope; and (3) Establishment of a new equilibrium. Parents and siblings reported experiences unique to their role in the family and developmental stage, as well as shared experiences within the family system. Findings have implications for palliative care and bereavement professionals in terms of supporting parent, sibling, and family coping before, during, and after the death of a child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Annually, about 5.9 million perinatal deaths occur worldwide, leaving millions bereaved due to stillbirths or early neonatal deaths. The highest burden of stillbirths (97%) and newborn deaths (98%) occurs in lower- and middle-income countries, with the majority occurring in Sub-Saharan African countries. Method: This cross-sectional qualitative study was conducted to identify existing policies and protocols to support bereaved families, explore the needs of bereaved families, and to also assess the impact of perinatal death on families in Ghana. All in-depth interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. The results were presented in narratives and supported with illustrative quotes from respondents. Results: In all, 42 in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 (23.8%) from the Northern belt (Upper East), 11 (26.2%) from the middle belt (Ashanti) and 21 (50.0%) from the Southern belt (Greater Accra). The study revealed that practicing health professionals and other stakeholders within the health service delivery chain were not aware of protocols, written guidelines or written documents to initiate counseling at the facility in the event of a mother losing a child. Most of the respondents did not know what to do in the event that a mother loses a baby during delivery or immediately after. Respondents were in favor of having a policy or guidelines which will help them to counsel families who go through perinatal bereavement. Respondents were of the view that it is important for families who experience perinatal grief to be supported. Conclusion: All staff who meet the pregnant mother during her pre-and-post-delivery stages should be trained on the use of guidelines or policies. There is the need to have a policy, train and equip health staff to ensure that families experiencing perinatal grief are provided with effective counseling. Ghana Health Service should consider training and recruiting professional counselors who will support the health staff in dealing with perinatal grief. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]