The Centre for Psychological Research
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford OX3 0BP
Principal Investigator: Annelies Rowland | Email: 09091509@brookes.ac.uk
Supervisors: Dr Mark Burgess | Dr Jenny Seddon | Dr Adam Baimel
“Supporting bereaved children in the Adult ICU: nurses’ experiences, insights and perspectives on supporting children through the loss of an important adult”
You are invited to take part in a research study exploring ICU nurses’ experiences of supporting children during bereavement. Before deciding, please read this information to understand the study’s purpose and what participation involves.
Losing an important adult in the intensive care unit (ICU) can be deeply distressing for families - especially for children - who may experience lasting emotional impacts. Adult ICU nurses play a crucial role in supporting families during this time, yet there is limited research exploring their experiences and perspectives on providing bereavement support to children in families. This study aims to gather nurses’ perspectives to better understand the nature of child-centred bereavement support for children and their caregivers in the adult ICU. The study's findings will contribute to the development of evidence-based recommendations aimed at enhancing existing bereavement support in adult ICUs, making it more attuned to the specific needs of grieving children.
The study will run for approximately six months, from June to December 2025.
You have been invited because you are an adult ICU nurse with experience in supporting families during bereavement. Your experiences matter. By listening to those closest to the experience, you’ll help us to build a deeper understanding of what it’s really like to support children during bereavement in the adult ICU.
No, participation is completely voluntary. You can withdraw at any time without giving a reason. Any data you provide can be withdrawn up to 28 days after your interview
A 45–60-minute 1:1 online interview at a time that suits you.
The interview will explore your experiences of supporting children and families during bereavement in the ICU.
With your consent, the interview will be audio recorded for accuracy.
Talking about bereavement may be emotionally sensitive. The interview will be conducted by an experienced bereavement support practitioner trained in handling sensitive discussions. You may pause, reschedule, or withdraw at any time.
If needed, local counselling and wellbeing services can be found :
https://www.posie-study.co.uk/information-and-support
Your insights will contribute to the development of evidence-based recommendations aimed at enhancing bereavement support in adult ICUs, making it more attuned to the specific needs of grieving children.
Taking part may also provide a valuable opportunity for personal reflection, allowing you to consider your experiences in bereavement care and how they shape your nursing practice.
All data will be kept strictly confidential and securely stored. Data will be securely retained for a minimum of ten years, in accordance with university policy. Any identifying details will be removed from reports and publications. Quotes may be used, but participants will not be identifiable.
The study results will advance understanding of child-centred bereavement support in the adult ICU, focusing on nurses’ experiences in supporting bereaved children and primary caregiver(s). Findings will be published in a PhD thesis, potential journal articles, and conference presentations. They’ll also be available digitally in the Oxford Brookes University repository, ensuring access for the academic community and public. All potential identifying information will be removed to protect your privacy. Participants can request a summary of key findings, outlining how their contributions informed the study, by emailing the principal investigator or visiting https://www.posie-study.co.uk/research-findings.
The research is being funded by Oxford Brookes University and conducted as part of a PhD study at the Centre for Psychological Research, Oxford Brookes University.
The research has been reviewed and approved by the University Research Ethics Committee, Oxford Brookes University : UREC Registration No: 251895
To take part, simply click "Express interest in participating" below and complete the form.
We’ll then send you more information along with a consent form.
For further information, please contact:
Annelies Rowland (Principal Investigator) : 09091509@brookes.ac.uk
Dr Mark Burgess (Director of Studies) : mark.burgess@brookes.ac.uk
If you have any concerns about the way in which the study has been conducted, you should contact the Chair of the University Research Ethics Committee on ethics@brookes.ac.uk.
Thank you for taking the time to read this information sheet. Your consideration to take part in this important research study is greatly appreciated.