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. 2025 Jun 9;6(1):351-355.
doi: 10.1089/pmr.2025.0022. eCollection 2025.

Bereaved Parents as Communication Workshop Facilitators for Clinicians Caring for Seriously Ill Children

Camara Van Breemen  1   2   3 , Nadine Lusney  1 , Anne-Mette Hermansen  2   4 , Lee Vang  5
Affiliations

Bereaved Parents as Communication Workshop Facilitators for Clinicians Caring for Seriously Ill Children

Camara Van Breemen et al. Palliat Med Rep. .

Abstract

Introduction: The Serious Illness Conversation Guide-Pediatrics (SICG-Peds) is a validated tool and training program that increases clinicians' confidence in leading complex conversations with seriously ill pediatric patients and their families. We initiated a pilot project incorporating bereaved parents as facilitators in SICG-Peds education.

Objectives: To assess how incorporating bereaved parents in a facilitator role in the SICG-Peds education program impacted the experience for clinician trainees and clinical facilitators and the parents themselves.

Methods: Four bereaved parents were onboarded and included as family facilitators. Workshop experience was measured through post-workshop surveys. Clinical facilitators and family facilitators provided feedback about the co-teaching experience.

Results: Clinicians reported that having bereaved parents as teaching faculty enriched their learning. Clinical facilitators found that family facilitators offered additional perspectives and value. Parents recognized that they could hone their story and experience to support the clinician learners in unique ways.

Conclusions: The addition of family facilitators in the delivery of SICG-Peds workshops enhanced clinicians' learning. Moreover, bereaved parents reported that functioning as workshop facilitators was a deeply meaningful experience.

Keywords: advance care planning; communication training; education; family engagement; illness conversation; pediatric palliative care; serious.

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