Parental Experiences of Perinatal Loss with a Focus on Hospice Provision: A Thematic Analysis

Latham, R, Guest, K ORCID: 0000-0002-8977-0057, Williams, K, Paize, F and Lotto, R ORCID: 0000-0002-4305-0513 (2026) Parental Experiences of Perinatal Loss with a Focus on Hospice Provision: A Thematic Analysis. Palliative and Supportive Care, 24. pp. 1-8. ISSN 1478-9515

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Abstract

Objective Perinatal palliative care (PPC) offers holistic support to families of babies with life-limiting conditions, addressing emotional, psychological, and practical needs alongside ensuring dignity for the baby. While there is growing evidence to support its benefits, there remains inconsistent service provision, limited integration with maternity care, and regional disparities. This study explores parental experiences with perinatal hospice services to inform future care models.
Methods The study was undertaken in the Northwest of England. Fourteen semi- structured interviews were undertaken with 17 parents (three joint interviews) who had experienced perinatal loss and had engaged with perinatal palliative care services. Semi-structured interviews were used to gather insights into their perceptions of care they received, focusing on issues such as communication, the timing of referrals, and the emotional and practical support provided. Data was analysed using a thematic analysis approach. Ethical approval was obtained REC reference: 22/YH/0028
Results Five key themes were identified: the significance of language used by healthcare professionals when discussing the baby’s condition; the importance of timely introduction to hospice care; recognition that grief is a personal and evolving process; the role of shared experiences in building relationships; and the importance of creating lasting memories.
Significance of results Findings highlight the importance of improving healthcare professionals' communication skills and integrating multidisciplinary palliative care services early in the care pathway. Parents expressed gratitude for the hospice support, particularly the opportunity to spend quality time with their baby and make lasting memories. However, a more consistent perinatal hospice care provision across the UK is needed.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	1117 Public Health and Health Services; Oncology & Carcinogenesis; 4203 Health services and systems
Subjects:	R Medicine > RG Gynecology and obstetrics R Medicine > RT Nursing
Divisions:	Nursing and Advanced Practice
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Date of acceptance:	22 October 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	24 October 2025
Date Deposited:	24 Oct 2025 09:30
Last Modified:	12 Jan 2026 16:34
DOI or ID number:	10.1017/S1478951525101223
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/27410

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