“You May Not Appreciate This Now, But You May Later”: A Qualitative Analysis of the Impact and Meaning of Legacy Interventions as Defined by Bereaved Parents
![](https://f2e0df8ds.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/21215447/Volume11-Issue3.webp)
The death of a child is a significant event that affects the family system. Families of dying children need comprehensive support to help them cope with their trauma and loss. However, there is little research that examines parental preferences and grieving support needs. This study explored bereaved parent mentors’ perspectives on legacy interventions to identify preferences and guide best practices for legacy interventions provided by pediatric staff. Legacy interventions can be defined as a practice that encourages families to process, create, and reflect on their experiences, stories, and memories. Six parents whose child died ≥2 years ago and who volunteered as parent mentors at a USA children’s hospital’s parent mentor program participated in focus groups. Participants were asked open-ended questions related to the patient/family’s experience at end of life, including legacy intervention provisions. Focus groups were video recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. Similar ideas and categories were grouped to generate preliminary categories for coding. Codes were analyzed to identify central themes. Data analysis yielded three themes: 1) Types and Functions of Legacy Items/Activities, 2) Meaningfulness of Legacy Items/Activities, and 3) Process of Providing Legacy Items/Activities. Legacy interventions were reported as meaningful to participants because they connect them to their child, the treating hospital, and other bereaved families. To improve care for families whose child has a serious/terminal illness, professionals should be cognizant of the family’s perception of legacy interventions and collaborate with the family’s most trusted staff to help discuss and provide legacy interventions.
Related content
-
Innovation & Technology | Patient Family & Community Engagement
Building Trust in Healthcare: Insights from UAB Medicine’s Humanistic Care Study
Join Chris Brainard, Associate Vice President at UAB Medicine, and Amber Maraccini, VP of Healthcare Executive Advisory at Medallia, for a fireside chat on UAB’s innovative strategies to build trust in patient care. Explore how provider behaviors—like listening patiently and showing empathy—improve trust, outcomes, and patient experiences. Learn about the Medallia-Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement | Quality & Clinical Excellence
Our Journey to Improving the Experience of Patients 65+
2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT – Join us for a panel discussion on enhancing patient experience for patients 65 and older. Experts will explore key population statistics, care challenges, and insights from consumer feedback to better understand patient needs. Learn strategies to improve communication clarity and address What Matters
Learn more -
Patient Family & Community Engagement
PX Chat on PFA/PFACS: Sustaining/Growing (June 4, 2025)
12pm ET / 11am CT / 10am MT / 9am PT – Join The Beryl Institute community for an opportunity to connect with your peers on the support and resources needed to address efforts around sustaining and growing PFAs and PFACs in their organizations. Breakout discussion groups allow you to share your challenges, celebrate your
Learn more