Death in the PICU: caring for the "other" families

Abstract

This article discusses the care of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) families who are present during the death of a child other than their own. "Other" families witness bereavement and experience grief, and there is no literature available to evaluate and describe their needs. Many PICU families are exposed to the death of a child. Nursing interventions to ameliorate self-awareness skills, validate the significance of the event, eliminate unnecessary fears, and cultivate effective coping strategies are necessary to decrease the stress of the experience. Research is needed to specify the needs of "other" families and to improve care for everyone present during the death of a child.