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Objective: To deliver and evaluate an educational intervention to equip health and social care professionals (professionals) on how best to support parents at end of life with cancer concerning their dependent children (<18). Methods: An evidence‐based and theory‐driven face‐to‐face educational intervention was developed and evaluated using three levels of Kirkpatrick's Model of Evaluation. Pre‐test, post‐test surveys were completed immediately before‐and‐after the intervention using a validated self‐efficacy scale and single‐item questions evaluating perceived usefulness and relevance (levels one/two). Qualitative interviews ≥ 3‐months post‐intervention explored if, and how the intervention impacted professionals' practice (level three). Fourteen sessions were delivered at oncology settings to 347 professionals between 2021 and 2023. Two hundred seventy four professionals completed the pre‐test survey, with 239 completing the post‐test survey. Fourteen professionals were interviewed between three‐and 19‐months post‐intervention. Results: Quantitative findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in self‐efficacy post‐educational intervention (p < 0.001). Qualitative data highlighted professionals gained new approaches to progress end of life conversations with parents, despite some familial resistance to sharing the reality of the situation with children. Positive intervention content shaping clinical practice included the bereaved parent's lived experience, communication framework and roleplay videos. Some professionals considered a booster session and opportunities to practice conversations necessary to further consolidate learning into practice. Conclusions: Evidence and theory‐driven education can positively impact professionals' provision of family‐centred cancer care. Future studies should explore the impact of this educational intervention on familial outcomes. Alongside a sustainable delivery of this intervention, advanced communication skills programmes should incorporate parent‐child end of life conversations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When a parent of dependent children dies, families are often unsure if and how children could be part of the immediate bereavement period. Children excluded can be more susceptive to negative outcomes. In-depth interviews explored funeral directors' (N = 23) experiences of providing a service to families in the immediate bereavement period, when a parent dies from cancer. Findings highlighted funeral directors can have an important role in guiding families through the distressing immediate bereavement period. Recommendations are discussed surrounding a pastoral role of the funeral director in the immediate bereavement period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Parents often feel ill‐equipped to prepare their dependent children (<18 years old) for the death of a parent, necessitating support from professionals. The aim of this study is to explore health and social care professionals' (HSCPs) experiences and perceptions of providing supportive care to parents regarding their children, when a parent is dying from cancer. Methods: Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 32 HSCPs, including nurses, allied health professionals, social workers and doctors from specialist or generalist roles, across acute or community sectors. Results: HSCPs' perceptions of the challenges faced by many families when a parent is dying from cancer included: parental uncertainties surrounding if, when and how to tell the children that their parent was dying, the demands of managing everyday life, and preparing the children for the actual death of their parent. Many HSCPs felt ill‐equipped to provide care to parents at end of life concerning their children. The results are discussed under two themes: (1) hurdles to overcome when providing psychological support to parents at end of life and (2) support needs of families for the challenging journey ahead. Conclusions: There appears to be a disparity between HSCPs' awareness of the needs of families when a parent is dying and what is provided in practice. HSCPs can have a supportive role and help equip parents, as they prepare their children for the death of their parent. Appropriate training and guideline provision could promote this important aspect of end of life care into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]