Pediatric Death and Family Organ Donation: Bereavement Support Services in One Pediatric Health System

Margaret A. Gettis, Rajit Basu, Stephanie Welling, Eryn Wall, Valerie Dutreuil, Christina J. Calamaro*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Health care providers need to support families and provide resources when facing their child's death and potential organ donation. Aims of this retrospective chart review in a tertiary health care system were: (1) describe characteristics of pediatric organ donors compared to those who were not; (2) determine differences between services utilized by families who selected organ donation versus those who did not. From 2017 to 2023 of 288 pediatric deaths, 76 were organ donors and 212 did not donate. Organ donors’ mean age at admission was 6.3 ± 5.8 years. Thirty-four (44.7%) participated in Honor Walks. Significant differences existed between organ donors and non-organ donors in patients who were diagnosed with SIDS (3.9% vs 13.2%; P =.025). This study provides additional data to help further our understanding of bereavement support services for families making difficult decisions regarding organ donation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
JournalJournal of Patient Experience
Volume11
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2024

Keywords

  • bereavement support
  • honor rituals
  • organ donation
  • organ procurement organization
  • pediatric

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Leadership and Management
  • Health(social science)
  • Health Policy

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