Needs Statement

Clinicians who work with the pediatric population will eventually encounter a patient who has suffered the loss of a loved one. Despite the universality of death and dying, many clinicians have had limited education regarding how youths conceptualize death over the various stages of development and how to differentiate between normal grief and psychiatric pathology. Delays in the timely identification of children struggling with bereavement can potentially lead to the development of long-term emotional and behavioral disorders.
Recognizing the dynamics of grief and loss in children and adolescents can equip clinicians with the necessary tools to navigate difficult conversations, facilitate healthy coping mechanisms, and provide appropriate interventions tailored to the developmental stage and individual needs of each child.
Additionally, incorporating training on pediatric death and dying can foster empathy, sensitivity, and cultural competence, enabling providers to offer culturally responsive care to diverse populations. By addressing this critical aspect of pediatric mental health, clinicians can help mitigate the long-term psychological effects of bereavement and provide comprehensive care that addresses the emotional, social, and developmental impacts of loss on young patients and their families.

Objectives

At the conclusion of the session, the participants should be able to:

  • Define key terms and review the statistics and current literature regarding childhood loss and bereavement.
  • Discuss the 4 concepts of death and differentiate how youth conceptualize these concepts through the various stages of development.
  • Review the DSM-V criteria for Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder and understand the key differences between grief and psychiatric pathology.
  • Review resources to help clinicians and families cope with a loss.
Session date: 
05/15/2024 - 6:30pm to 7:30pm CDT
Location: 
Virtual
Houston, TX
United States
See map: Google Maps
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  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
  • 1.00 Attendance

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