The Cost of Silence: Addressing Disenfranchised Grief in Healthcare

This webinar shines a light on disenfranchised grief, the often-unrecognized loss experienced by both patients and healthcare professionals. Through real-world stories and frontline insights, presenters will explore how acknowledging unseen grief can transform care experiences and strengthen human connection. Participants will learn how empathetic, developmentally appropriate care supports patients and families while also addressing the emotional toll on caregivers. The session offers actionable strategies to reduce burnout, foster resilience, and promote emotional well-being within healthcare teams. By validating the experiences of both those who give and those who receive care, this conversation invites a shift toward a more compassionate and sustainable healthcare culture.

Speakers:
-Amanda Ammons, MS, CCLS | Child Life Team Lead, Children’s Medical Center Dallas
-Katie Foley, MA, CCLS | Senior Child Life Specialist, Children’s Medical Center Dallas

Learning Objectives:
-Define disenfranchised grief and identify its manifestations in both patient/family and healthcare staff experiences.
-Analyze the impact of unacknowledged grief on communication, empathy, and the overall quality of care.
-Apply actionable strategies to support grief recognition and emotional well-being among healthcare staff.

Non-members can purchase webinars at a cost of $49 each.