Parents’ Active Role & ENgagement in Their Stillbirth/perinatal death
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Parents’ Active Role & ENgagement in Their Stillbirth/Perinatal death review
IRAS ID
216018
Contact name
Dimitrios Siassakos
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North Bristol NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 3 months, 13 days
Research summary
Five thousand babies were stillborn or died shortly after birth in the UK last year (perinatal death). Reviews of the death of a baby greatly differ across different hospitals in the UK and at present parents' opinions are only sought in a small number of cases.
The death of a baby can result in a wide range of negative psychological symptoms for parents, families and staff. . Negative psychological symptoms may continue through subsequent pregnancies; whereas however good care at and around the time of death can positively influence outcomes for parents. Involving patients as active participants in their care in other areas of healthcare improves patient satisfaction and health care quality, and could therefore help parents in their grieving process.
In 2012 The Department of Health (DoH) established a Perinatal Mortality Task and Finish Group to improve the review process that takes place in each hospital following a perinatal death. They recommended a comprehensive review of all losses from 22 weeks gestation until 28 days after birth, which fits into three of the five domains of the NHS Outcomes Framework 2013-20148. Furthermore, the DoH and Morecambe Bay Report have recommended that there should be scope for parental input into the process from the beginning. This is in line with the Francis inquiry, which recommends the need for a consistent culture of openness and candour in the NHS, so that errors can be addressed and lessons learnt.
Currently the PNMR process is inconsistent across the UK, with no formal input from bereaved parents. This project aims to assess the feasibility of implementing, and pilot an improved, PNMR process, with incorporated parental input, which will inform national and international policy.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/WM/0123
Date of REC Opinion
30 May 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion