Capturing parents' and health professionals' experiences of stillbirth bereavement photography: A systematic review and meta-synthesis

Abstract

Problem: Evidence-informed, best-practice recommendations concerning bereavement photography following stillbirth have yet to be proposed.

Background: Previous research has highlighted the general importance of memory-making following pregnancy loss; however, scarce studies have specifically examined bereavement photography experiences.

Aim: To examine parents', healthcare professionals' and photographers' perspectives and experiences of stillbirth bereavement photography.

Methods: Guided by JBI Collaboration methods, we conducted a systematic review and meta-synthesis (using a meta-aggregative approach) of 12 peer-reviewed studies conducted predominantly in high-income countries FINDINGS: Two overarching synthesised findings were generated: Bereavement photography as a helpful tool for the present and Bereavement photography as a helpful tool for the future. The proactive recommendation of memory-making influenced parents' decisions, and some parents not offered bereavement photography post-stillbirth expressed their desire for this opportunity retrospectively. Most parents who utilised bereavement photography were positive about their experiences. In the acute stages of loss, photographs supported meaningful introductions of the baby to their sibling(s) and validated parents' loss. Longer-term, the photographs validated the stillborn child's life, maintained memories and enabled parents to share their child's life with others.

Discussion: Bereavement photography appeared beneficial, even though some parents felt conflicted about it. Parental views about photography appeared to fluctuate; many parents who rejected the offer of stillbirth photography described regret about their decision later. Conversely, parents who reluctantly accepted photographs were grateful.

Conclusion: Our review shows compelling evidence that bereavement photography should be normalised and offered to parents in the wake of stillbirth, with tactful, personalised approaches needed to assist with bereavement.

Keywords: Bereavement photography; Qualitative; Review; Stillbirth.