Web-based psychoeducational intervention for bereaved parents

Abstract

Background: There is a lack of theoretically sound, scientifically-tested interventions for bereaved parents.

Aims: To describe the acceptability and feasibility testing of an online grief-support-resource platform for bereaved parents.

Methods: Participants included 20 parents of children who had died from a disease. The study involved a quasi-experimental treatment-only two-site design.

Findings: The study was not able to recruit the intended number of participants. The website designed to support parents during grieving was found to be helpful by participants (43% enrolment rate), though not feasible. Lessons learned from this trial include: to use a well-defined eligibility criteria; follow a model for behavioural intervention development in a stepwise fashion, not exceed the individual stage's purpose; cautiously approach bereaved parents less than 6 months after a child's death; and comprehensive parent orientation to the grief-support-resource platform.

Conclusion: Transparent sharing of lessons learned provide opportunities for investigators who are planning studies to learn from this team's experience.

Keywords: bereavement; internet; parent; pediatric; psychoeducation.