The Parental Experience of Unexpectedly Losing a Child in the Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract

Child loss is the most traumatic loss a parent can experience, increasing their risk of negative outcomes such as complicated grief. Unexpected loss in the unfamiliar environment of the Emergency Department (ED) significantly increases this risk. Despite this knowledge, research on child loss in the context of the ED is scarce. An interpretive description qualitative research study was performed with eight parents (five mothers and three fathers) to examine their experience of unexpectedly losing a child in the pediatric ED. Data collection included interviews, demographic questionnaires, and field notes. Data were analyzed using a constant comparative method and revealed four main themes: “grief as waves,” “being the good parent,” “coping through the waves of grief,” and “the new normal.” Improving understanding around child loss and implementing stronger support for parents, through communication, advocacy, and physical presence while in the ED, could greatly reduce parents’ risk of negative outcomes.