"Definitely Mixed Feelings:" The effect of COVID-19 on bereavement in parents of children who died from cancer.

Abstract Context COVID-19 has impacted most elements of daily life, including the provision of support following a child’s death and the experience of parental bereavement. Objectives This study aims to examine ways in which COVID-19 has affected the bereavement experiences of parents whose children died from cancer prior to the pandemic. Methods Parents who participated in a survey-based study examining the early grief experience were invited to complete a semi-structured interview. During the interview, which focused on examining the current support for parents and other family members within the first several years following the child’s death, participants were asked how COVID-19 has impacted their life and bereavement. Results Fifteen of thirty-three eligible parents completed the interview; 14 were White and non-Hispanic, 5 were male. Parents participated an average of 19 (range 12-34) months after their child’s death. COVID-19 was addressed in 13 interviews. Eleven codes were used to describe interview segments; the most commonly used codes were ‘change in support,’ ‘no effect, ’familiarity with uncertainty/ability to cope’ and ‘change in contact with care/research team.’ Conclusion Parents identified multiple and variable ways – both positive, negative and neutral – how COVID-19 has affected their bereavement. While many parents commented on feeling more isolated because of the inability to connect with family or attend in-person support groups, others acknowledged their experience has made them uniquely positioned to cope with the uncertainty of the current situation. Clinicians must find innovative ways to connect with and support bereaved parents during this unique time.