It is important to understand the unique experience of families who had a child die during the COVID19 pandemic and resulting social isolation.
Purpose of the Study
We would like to understand family experiences and the types of support families needed that helped them prepare for the death of their child, as well as cope with grief and loss during their bereavement during the social isolation of a pandemic.
By understanding families’ experiences, it will help us develop ways to help families to better cope with grief brought about by limited social interaction and opportunities for coping both now and in the future.
To Participate
If you are interested in participating, please click HERE for a screening/eligibility survey. If you are eligible, you will receive the survey link immediately.
If you have further questions, please email the study at child-pandemic@osu.edu
Study Specifics
In order to participate, you must:
- Identify as a parent to a child aged birth to 19 years who died in any care setting (home, hospital, hospice care facility, long-term care) since March 15, 2020
- At least 30 days must have passed since your child died
- Have internet access with a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer
- Be able to speak, read, and write in English in order to complete questionnaires
- Be 18 years of age or older
How Long Will the Study Last?
Answering all questions will take 15-30 minutes depending on how much additional information (if any) you decide to provide.
Parents will complete 3 questionnaires:
- Information about your child
- Information about yourself
- Questions about the support you received and experiences during and after your child’s death. Questions include single and multiple choice answers. You may also add more information if you want but this is optional.
Do I Have to Provide My Name?
No, the study is anonymous
Gift Cards
We will select 30 participants randomly to receive gift cards. To be eligible, you must “opt-in” at the end of the last survey and provide your name and email address. Your name and email address will only be used if you are selected to receive a gift card and for no other purpose.
Optional Interview
We will select a random sample of parents who would like to participate in additional short (15-30 minute) telephone interviews to share your experience in more detail.
To Participate
If you are interested in participating, please click HERE for a screening/eligibility survey. If you are eligible, you will receive the survey link immediately.
If you have further questions, please email the study at child-pandemic@osu.edu
Dr. Fortney’s research focuses on aspects of palliative and end of life care for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She is interested in describing the symptom and medical burden of these infants and finding the associations between parents’ perceptions of their infant’s symptom experience and their clinical decision-making for their infant, as well as their long-term coping and distress.
Dr. Thrane’s research focuses on symptom management with children, adolescents, and adults receiving palliative or hospice care. She mainly focuses on complementary or integrative interventions such as Reiki, massage, guided imagery, music, or aromatherapy that may be carried out by bedside nurses or families.
Meaning of the Dragonfly
We have chosen images of the dragonfly to represent this study. The symbolism of this amazing creature represents for us a spirit of hope, change, and love. Some believe that like a cardinal, the dragonfly is a tie to the spiritual world; that when seen is a sign that a loved one is nearby. The eyes of the dragonfly symbolize the uninhibited vision of the mind and the ability to see beyond the limitation of the human self. Further, the dragonfly has a very short lifespan, living most of its life in an immature state and flying only for a fraction of its life. Even though short, the dragonfly’s life is not without meaning. We are so very sorry that you have experienced the death of your precious child. Our hearts are with you.