Parental experiences of perinatal loss, with a focus on hospice provision: A thematic analysis

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 PPC 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 analyzed using a thematic analysis approach. ETHICAL APPROVAL: The 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.