An examination of perinatal death literature: Implications for nursing practice and research

The purpose of this article is to provide nurses with a more scientific basis, via the examination of perinatal death research, for the selection of interventions used with families who have experienced perinatal death. The classical studies upon which current perinatal death research are based are examined, and parental problems associated with perinatal death are described. Research findings related to the identification of parental risk factors for pathological grief reactions are identified, as are the supportive and nonsupportive behaviors of caregivers. Finally, suggestions are made for future research related to perinatal death.