Health professionals in the memories of grieving mothers

Authors

Abstract

Mourning the loss of a child can begin at the moment of diagnosis of a serious illness and be shaped
by the quality of care received by the family and patient. This study aimed to describe and analyze the
memories of grieving mothers regarding the communication and attitudes of health professionals over
the course of the disease until death. This is a qualitative cross-sectional study based on semi-structured
interviews with eight mothers of pediatric patients. Three thematic axes were found: health team’s
attitude toward the family; communication of bad news; and death. The study revealed that the
attitudes and communication of healthcare professionals over the illness to death process remain vivid
in the memories of mothers. Exposing healthcare professionals to these findings may contribute to the
development of empathy, ethical values, and improved interdisciplinary care.

Keywords:

Cuidados de Fim de Vida, Luto, Empatia

Author Biographies

Isabela Soares Costa, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brasil.

Isabela S. Costa – Mestre – isasoarescosta@hotmail.com
0000-0001-7662-8484

Nichollas Martins Areco, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brasil.

Nichollas Martins Areco – Doutor – martinsareco@gmail.com
0000-0001-5547-7066

Leila Costa Volpon, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto/SP, Brasil.

Leila Volpon – Doutora – l.costavolpon@gmail.com
0000-0003-4950-3760

Vol. 33 (2025): Continued publication

Published:

2025-12-09

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1983-803420253956PT

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How to Cite

1.
Soares Costa I, Areco NM, Volpon LC. Health professionals in the memories of grieving mothers. Rev. Bioét. [Internet]. 2025 Dec. 9 [cited 2026 May 4];33. Available from: https://revistabioetica.cfm.org.br/revista_bioetica/article/view/3956

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