Invisible Loss: A Delphi Approach to Develop A Term for Individuals Who Experienced Perinatal Loss

Abstract

The purpose of this Delphi pilot study was to 1) identify potential benefits to people who experienced perinatal loss if a term were established; 2) develop a term for people who experienced a perinatal loss because, at present, no term exists; and, 3) identify areas of consensus and contention between perinatal loss professionals and parents when considering terminology. Fifty-five participants (perinatal loss professionals, n = 33; perinatally bereaved parents, n = 22) proposed, reviewed, and rated terms through three rounds of surveys until bereaved parent was selected. Top terms were equally preferred between parents and professionals and, in general, participants described benefits to term development. Findings provide the perinatal loss community a first step in considering terminology.