Comparing two support interventions for parents after a child's unexpected death

The Grief Navigation Trial: A Multi-Site Pragmatic Comparative Effectiveness Trial of Interventions to Support Parents After Their Child's Unexpected or Traumatic Death

NA · Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · NCT06136260

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

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAnn & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago (other)
Locations7 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06136260 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting this population, similar interventions in bereavement support have shown promise in improving outcomes for grieving individuals.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois and 6 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Bereavement, grief, caregivers, community resources, pediatric, self-efficacy, coroners and medical examiners

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.