LAUSR

CONTEXT Approximately 12% of children with cancer will not survive, representing a devastating loss for parents. Strategies to improve parental coping and grief have been understudied. Although legacy-making is frequently offered as standard care to children with terminal illness and their families, these interventions have received little empirical attention. OBJECTIVES This study qualitatively explores the legacy-making and grief experiences of bereaved parents who participated in legacy artwork with their child prior to his or her death from cancer. METHODS Twelve bereaved parents and 12 healthcare providers participated in individual semi-structured interviews guided by the Dual Process Model of Grief and Continuing Bonds theory. Qualitative data were analyzed via conventional content analysis. RESULTS Five themes emerged. Legacy artwork: 1) allows for family bonding and opens communication regarding the child's impending death; 2) provides opportunities for parents to engage in life-review and meaning-making; 3) is often displayed in the parents' home following the child's death, and parents take comfort in using these projects to continue their bond with their deceased child; 4) can ameliorate parents' grief following their child's death; and 5) may reduce healthcare providers' compassion fatigue and provide them an outlet for coping with their patients' deaths. CONCLUSIONS Participating in legacy artwork may result in self-reported positive outcomes for bereaved parents prior to and following their child's death, including family bonding, enhanced communication, meaning-making, and improvements in grief. As a result of these benefits, children's hospitals may consider offering legacy artwork for children with cancer and their families.