Impacts on caregivers of witnessing terminal lucidity in children

Cases of terminal lucidity (TL) in children have recently been documented in contemporary literature, yet no studies have examined the impact on caregivers of witnessing TL in children. Using an online survey, this study assessed the impact of witnessing TL in children on seven caregivers who described a total of 11 cases of TL in children. Findings revealed that witnessing TL in children was considered a spiritual experience that influenced caregivers’ belief systems. All caregivers had disclosed what they had witnessed to others, resulting in a mixture of skeptical and accepting reactions. Findings suggest witnessing TL in children may initiate a spiritual transformation that has similar implications for enhancing end-of-life care and creating ‘space’ for TL to be perceived as a natural part of the dying process in terminally ill children.