Information and communication about autopsy following stillbirth: Meeting the needs of parents

Each year in Australia more than 2000 parents experience stillbirth. Parents face major decisions at a time of intense shock and grief and one of the most difficult and confronting is whether to give consent for an autopsy examinaton of thier baby.\ua0Little is known how about how best to support parents and their care providers in decision-making.\ua0This study sought to gain better understanding of parents’ views and experiences of this critical aspect of bereavement care. A survey of 21 parents followed by in-depth interviews with 12 parents revealed scope for improvement in terms of practical and informational support, including when and how results will be conveyed. Decision support tools may help both parents and clinicians in this challenging area