Ben Taub Hospital Women & Infant's Department Perinatal Loss Review for NRP

[Audio] Good morning everyone. Today we will review resources and support to the team members who care for patients suffering from perinatal loss..

[Audio] Harris Health is dedicated to high quality care for our community and this includes patients that experience a perinatal loss. We strive to offer support, information, and resources to help alleviate the stress and assist families in the days ahead...

[Audio] Our goals are to provide information and resources to both team members and patients/families; we want everyone to feel adequately supported and guided during challenging times..

[Audio] NRP Lesson 11 discusses Ethics and Care at the End of Life. Essential teamwork behaviors are noted on the table. To be successful, the team must work together to anticipate and plan and communicate well. Consider using visual aids and written materials to improve communication with parents. Use all resources including spiritual care and social work; utilize all subject matter experts including ethics. Always consider cultural and religious beliefs..

[Audio] There are two guidelines that provide structure to assist in the care of patients suffering a loss: P-10 Perinatal Loss: Care of the Family and N-06 Care of the Infant with a Life-Limiting Condition. All demises/deaths must have a Post-Mortem Bedside Checklist Package completed - AKA the gold envelope. Spiritual Care serves as the subject matter expert regarding all post-mortem care. An epic consult for spiritual care must be placed for all patients. Allow every patient that suffers a loss the opportunity to meet with spiritual care; avoid gatekeeping this valuable resource. Following the guidelines and processes ensure patients and families have equitable access to care and are treated with the utmost respect and dignity..

[Audio] The cuddle cot is a cooling blanket that can be used in the bassinet or swaddled with a demised infant. Families are provided the gift of time when the cuddle cot is used. All patients suffering a loss should be offered the opportunity to use the cuddle cot. Nursing should review the Perinatal Support and Resource to Grieving Parents and Families module in Saba for more information and instructions..

[Audio] It is necessary to document essential processes and procedures related to providing end of life care. Documentation must be completed on the Perinatal/Neonatal End of Life Checklist flowsheet in epic..

[Audio] Team Hopes provides an added layer of support for patients that suffer a loss. This dedicated team of employees is devoted to helping patients and families by providing emotional, physical and informational support to ease their suffering. Team Hopes ensures that all resources are utilized to optimize the patients recovery from an adverse event..

[Audio] In the event of a perinatal loss, an autopsy can help gain insight. For patients beyond 20 weeks of gestation, this service is available at no cost. An epic order must be placed by the provider for all Autopsies and the autopsy form in the gold envelope must be completed. The perinatal autopsy document shown on the slide provides information for patients and families..

[Audio] Resources available for employees in the Women and Infant's department include: Debriefs, Spiritual Care support, an Employee Assistance & Wellness Program, a Lavender Room for respite, and the RISE program. HealthStream modules are available on Bereavement, as well as the "Resolve through Sharing" book. We hope that with these resources, our employees are supported..