Work

Parental experiences of death preparedness at the end of life of their children: a qualitative meta-synthesis

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to synthesize existing qualitative evidence on how parents experience and navigate death preparedness when facing the impending loss of a child, and to identify key challenges and support needs relevant to clinical practice. METHODS: A qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted using Thomas and Harden's thematic synthesis approach. Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CNKI, and VIP were systematically searched from inception to May 28, 2026. RESULTS: Seventeen studies were included. Eleven descriptive subthemes were identified and further organized into five analytical themes. (1) Oscillation Between Awareness and Avoidance, (2) Forced Urgent Preparation Crises, (3) Needs for Prognostic Information on the Dying Trajectory, (4) Rejection of Preparation Alone, (5) Construction of Meaning in the Face of Inevitable Loss. CONCLUSION: Death preparedness among parents is a dynamic, nonlinear, and relational process. Clinical support should move beyond promoting acceptance alone and instead focus on reducing decisional burden, improving communication, providing practical guidance, and supporting relational and meaning-making processes.

Source: BMC Palliative Care

DOI: 10.1186/s12904-026-02240-8

Authors: Xinyi Li, Liangfeng Yang, Zuxi Feng, Yuqin Ma

Institutions: China Three Gorges University, Second Hospital of Yichang

Language: English

Topic: Palliative Care and End-of-Life Issues

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990