Comparing two support interventions for parents after a child's unexpected death
Official title: The Grief Navigation Trial: A Multi-Site Pragmatic Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Interventions to Support Parents After Their Child's Unexpected or Traumatic Death
Run by Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NCT06136260 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing two different support programs to see which one helps parents cope better after the unexpected death of their child under 25.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 2000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 7 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 6 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 4, 2024 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | February 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 8, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06136260 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are parents or caregivers of children under 25 who have died unexpectedly or traumatically and who can communicate in English or Spanish.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unable to read or communicate in English or Spanish, or those under 18 years old, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This trial aims to address the significant mental and physical health challenges faced by parents after the unexpected or traumatic death of their child. It will compare two interventions: CommunityRx-Bereavement, which is a scalable, evidence-based approach, and General Bereavement Support Information, a standardized regimen based on existing literature. The study will involve parents who have lost a child under the age of 25 and will assess the effectiveness of these interventions through surveys conducted approximately 6.5 months post-loss. The goal is to improve the support provided to grieving parents at a critical point of contact with the healthcare system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide essential support and resources to grieving parents, improving their mental health and family dynamics.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically targeting this population, similar interventions in bereavement support have shown promise in improving outcomes for grieving individuals.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Parents or caregivers of ME cases involving a person \< 25 years old from one of the following offices: Cook County Medical Examiners, Lake County Coroners, DuPage County Coroner, Will County Coroner, McHenry County Coroner, Kane County Coroner, Peoria County Coroner * Parents or caregivers who provide permission to the ME to be referred to Missing Pieces * Parent or caregivers who are referred to Missing Pieces by a ME * Parents or caregivers able to read and communicate in English or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: * Parents or caregivers unable to read or communicate in English or Spanish * Parents or caregivers under the age of 18 years old
Where it's running
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Cook County Medical Examiner's Office
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Will County Coroner's Office
Joliet, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Peoria County Coroner's Office
Peoria, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Kane County Coroner's Office
Saint Charles, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
Lake County Coroner's Office
Waukegan, Illinois, United States Recruiting -
DuPage County Coroner's Office
Wheaton, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Show 1 more location
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McHenry County Coroner's Office
Woodstock, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kelly Michelson, MD, MPH — Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Kelly Michelson, MD, MPH
- Email: kmichelson@luriechildrens.org
- Phone: 312-227-4800
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.