Suicidality in Bereaved Parents Within Pediatric Institutions: Recommendations for Managing Ethical Challenges

• DOI: 10.1037/cpp0000448
• Publication Date: 2022-07-07T13:02:22Z
• Authors: Joanna T. Patten; Jennifer A. Hoag; Liana R. Galtieri; Kristin Canavera; Amanda L. Thompson

Objective: Illness remains among the leading causes of death for children in United States. Bereaved parents are at risk poor psychosocial outcomes, including suicidal ideation and by suicide. Although professional ethics national standards recommend care with chronic or life-limiting illnesses, there ethical challenges associated managing parent suicidality within a pediatric institution. Method: We present two cases illustrating responding to suicide experiencing bereavement institutions. Lack systematic support standard operating procedures (SOP) both resulted several concerns suboptimal clinical care. Results: reference American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles Psychologists Code Conduct ( Association [APA], 2017 ) apply an framework Andrews, 2021 delivering psychological services institutions these cases. describe of: Conflicting interests child, multiple relationships, documentation billing, informed consent, provider competence, systemic racism health law enforcement when grieving parents. Conclusions: discuss practices management provide recommendations practice organizational policy, as well strategies improve assessment parental suggestions future research. Implications Impact Statement Clinical bereaved is complicated range concerns, which often underlie barriers practical caring This article includes illustrative case examples, provides recommendations, prepares psychologists settings develop standardized this vulnerable population.