Experiences of Volunteers Supporting Parents Following a Fatal Fetal Anomaly Diagnosis

Ireland has had a reliance on voluntary groups to provide peer-to-peer bereavement support. The aim of this study was to explore volunteers', within these voluntary groups, experiences of supporting parents following a fatal fetal anomaly diagnosis. Purposive sampling was used to recruit volunteers (n = 17) and face-to-face interviews undertaken. NVivo12 was utilized to assist in the thematic analysis of the data. Five themes; motivation for altruistic acts, being challenged, value of education and training, supporting volunteers to support others, and it is not a sprint, it is a marathon were identified. Volunteers felt comfortable in their peer-support role but found the lack of knowledge regarding newly implemented termination of pregnancy (TOP) services challenging. The importance of education/training was identified, emphasizing the need for collaboration with health care professionals and other voluntary organizations for support. The findings illustrate the need for collaborative working between health care professionals and volunteers to assist them in supporting bereaved parents.

Automated summary

Volunteers in Ireland play a crucial role in providing peer-to-peer bereavement support, particularly for parents facing a fatal fetal anomaly diagnosis. This study highlights the importance of education and training for volunteers, as well as the need for collaboration between healthcare professionals and voluntary organizations to effectively support bereaved parents. The findings emphasize the ongoing challenges faced by volunteers, including a lack of knowledge about newly implemented termination of pregnancy services.