Aims
Evidence-based bereavement care is not routinely delivered in Australian hospitals, despite helping to facilitate adjustment to death. Approximately 10% of bereaved individuals do not adjust, and will experience Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD), which is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, and health service use. This research aimed to develop a bereavement model of care incorporating systematic screening and management of all bereaved within a diverse Australian healthcare setting.
Methods
A systematic review identified international bereavement care models and implementation factors relevant to the Australian context. Interviews with 34 staff/volunteers who provided bereavement support in an Australian public health service explored current practice, gaps in care, and barriers/facilitators to implementing care. Data were triangulated to develop a bereavement model of care.
Results
The culturally inclusive evidence-based bereavement model recommends screening to identify those most at risk of PGD and a stepped care approach to the appropriate level of support (from universal care to specialist bereavement and psychological services for those at risk of PGD). The model recommends bereavement care be tailored to the health context and setting, such as cancer and palliative care/acute; pre/post death; and sudden/expected death.
Underpinning the model is staff/volunteer training and support, resourcing, coordination of care, and continual improvement.
Conclusions
The bereaved-centred model of bereavement care developed through this research is an overarching model of care, which can be tailored at a service level to consider the heath context and setting. Key to implementation success and model sustainability is appropriate resourcing, and training and support for staff/volunteers.