[Care and experiences of 20 set of parents concerning the death of children in a surgical intensive care unit].

Objective: To gain insight into the attitude and experiences of parents concerning the death of children in a paediatric surgical intensive care unit of a University Children's hospital.

Design: Retrospective evaluation of records from 1988-1992, supplemented with semistructured interviews in the second half of 1992.

Setting: Sophia Children's Hospital-University Hospital Rotterdam.

Patients And Methods: The evaluation concerned 104 children. In 36 children death was a direct consequence of their illness, 11 died unexpectedly after an unsuccessful attempt at resuscitation, and in the remaining 57 treatment had not been initiated or had been withdrawn. Six months after the death of their child, twenty couples of parents of 20 children were asked after their experiences before, during, and after this death; in addition they were asked whether they would appreciate a longer contact with the hospital.

Results: Most parents chose to be present at the moment of dying. The parents generally highly appreciated the talks about the decision-making process and about coming to terms with the loss of their child, both with doctors and nurses. Most also appreciated a talk at some later time.

Conclusion: The results from this study indicate that structured guidance of parents concerning their child's death in the form of a counselling programme, is advisable.