Experiences and needs of family members of perinatal infant deaths: a meta-synthesis
PurposeThis meta-review of qualitative studies aims to explore the experiences and needs of family members following perinatal infant deaths.DesignA qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted.Data sourcesFour databases, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science, were searched from inception through N...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1580039/full |
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| author | Nana Cui Shasha Wu Xiaoyun Wang Lei Sheng |
| author_facet | Nana Cui Shasha Wu Xiaoyun Wang Lei Sheng |
| author_sort | Nana Cui |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | PurposeThis meta-review of qualitative studies aims to explore the experiences and needs of family members following perinatal infant deaths.DesignA qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted.Data sourcesFour databases, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science, were searched from inception through November 2024. An initial search using the keywords “perinatal death”, “family members”, and “qualitative research” retrieved 496 articles. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 studies were selected for inclusion.Review methodologyThe Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Research Checklist was used to assess the quality of included studies.ResultsTen studies from nine countries were analyzed, yielding five overarching themes: negative emotional reactions, searching for the cause of death, rebuilding of life, reconstruction of meaning, and need for support.ConclusionNegative emotional responses are an inevitable and profound part of the bereavement process for families experiencing perinatal loss. Identifying the cause of death helps families understand their loss and reduces uncertainty and self-blame. Central to the grieving process is the reconstruction of emotional and psychological meaning, which involves redefining life's purpose and gradually restoring a sense of normalcy. However, many of these families' needs remain unmet. There is an urgent need for multidisciplinary strategies to provide comprehensive, tailored support. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d33d628a21df461da3cc69dde541aad8 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2296-2565 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-d33d628a21df461da3cc69dde541aad82025-08-20T03:33:10ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652025-07-011310.3389/fpubh.2025.15800391580039Experiences and needs of family members of perinatal infant deaths: a meta-synthesisNana Cui0Shasha Wu1Xiaoyun Wang2Lei Sheng3Neonatal Ward, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, ChinaNeonatal Ward, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, ChinaNeonatal Ward, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, ChinaNursing Department, Jining No.1 People's Hospital, Jining, Shandong, ChinaPurposeThis meta-review of qualitative studies aims to explore the experiences and needs of family members following perinatal infant deaths.DesignA qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted.Data sourcesFour databases, PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, and Web of Science, were searched from inception through November 2024. An initial search using the keywords “perinatal death”, “family members”, and “qualitative research” retrieved 496 articles. Based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 studies were selected for inclusion.Review methodologyThe Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) Qualitative Research Checklist was used to assess the quality of included studies.ResultsTen studies from nine countries were analyzed, yielding five overarching themes: negative emotional reactions, searching for the cause of death, rebuilding of life, reconstruction of meaning, and need for support.ConclusionNegative emotional responses are an inevitable and profound part of the bereavement process for families experiencing perinatal loss. Identifying the cause of death helps families understand their loss and reduces uncertainty and self-blame. Central to the grieving process is the reconstruction of emotional and psychological meaning, which involves redefining life's purpose and gradually restoring a sense of normalcy. However, many of these families' needs remain unmet. There is an urgent need for multidisciplinary strategies to provide comprehensive, tailored support.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1580039/fullexperiences and needsfamily membersperinatal infantdeathsmeta-synthesis |
| spellingShingle | Nana Cui Shasha Wu Xiaoyun Wang Lei Sheng Experiences and needs of family members of perinatal infant deaths: a meta-synthesis Frontiers in Public Health experiences and needs family members perinatal infant deaths meta-synthesis |
| title | Experiences and needs of family members of perinatal infant deaths: a meta-synthesis |
| title_full | Experiences and needs of family members of perinatal infant deaths: a meta-synthesis |
| title_fullStr | Experiences and needs of family members of perinatal infant deaths: a meta-synthesis |
| title_full_unstemmed | Experiences and needs of family members of perinatal infant deaths: a meta-synthesis |
| title_short | Experiences and needs of family members of perinatal infant deaths: a meta-synthesis |
| title_sort | experiences and needs of family members of perinatal infant deaths a meta synthesis |
| topic | experiences and needs family members perinatal infant deaths meta-synthesis |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1580039/full |
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