Nikolaos Efstathiou1, Wendy Walker2, Alison Metcalfe3, Brandi Vanderspank-Wright4. 1. University of Birmingham, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, School of Nursing, Medical School, Vincent Drive, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom. Electronic address: n.efstathiou@bham.ac.uk. 2. University of Wolverhampton, Faculty of Education, Health and Wellbeing, Institute of Health, Stafford Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1ND, United Kingdom. Electronic address: w.m.walker@wlv.ac.uk. 3. Sheffield Hallam University, Faculty of Health and Wellbeing, Robert Winston Building, Broomhall Road, Collegiate Campus, Sheffield S10 2BP, United Kingdom. Electronic address: a.m.metcalfe@shu.ac.uk. 4. University of Ottawa, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Nursing, 3245B Roger Guindon Hall, 451 Smyth Road, Ottawa, ON K1H 8M5, Canada. Electronic address: brandi.vanderspank@uottawa.ca.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Despite advances in medical science, patient death and family bereavement are commonly encountered in adult intensive care units (ICUs). This is the first review to investigate the state of ICU bereavement support globally, and the availability and effectiveness of bereavement support interventions. METHODS: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Medline, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, EMBASE were searched and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied. Included studies were appraised using relevant appraisal tools. RESULTS: Fourteen papers formed the review; five of which were international surveys reporting variable bereavement practices and levels of support. A lack of training and resources were identified barriers. Nine papers reported the effectiveness of primarily discrete bereavement support interventions including: a personal memento, a handwritten condolence letter, a post-death meeting; storytelling, research participation, use of an ICU diary. One study evaluated a bereavement follow-up program. Generally, all identified interventions were well accepted by bereaved families. CONCLUSIONS: The reviewed evidence was weak, and findings were contextually bound. As such, it is difficult to make recommendations for the most acceptable and effective bereavement support intervention(s). Bereavement support in ICU needs further exploration and clinicians must be adequately trained and supported for the delivery of evidence-informed, culturally competent care. Crown
PURPOSE: Despite advances in medical science, patientdeath and family bereavement are commonly encountered in adult intensive care units (ICUs). This is the first review to investigate the state of ICU bereavement support globally, and the availability and effectiveness of bereavement support interventions. METHODS: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Medline, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, EMBASE were searched and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied. Included studies were appraised using relevant appraisal tools. RESULTS: Fourteen papers formed the review; five of which were international surveys reporting variable bereavement practices and levels of support. A lack of training and resources were identified barriers. Nine papers reported the effectiveness of primarily discrete bereavement support interventions including: a personal memento, a handwritten condolence letter, a post-death meeting; storytelling, research participation, use of an ICU diary. One study evaluated a bereavement follow-up program. Generally, all identified interventions were well accepted by bereaved families. CONCLUSIONS: The reviewed evidence was weak, and findings were contextually bound. As such, it is difficult to make recommendations for the most acceptable and effective bereavement support intervention(s). Bereavement support in ICU needs further exploration and clinicians must be adequately trained and supported for the delivery of evidence-informed, culturally competent care. Crown
Authors: Amanda Roze des Ordons; Kirsten M Fiest; Stephana J Moss; Krista Wollny; Therese G Poulin; Deborah J Cook; Henry T Stelfox Journal: BMC Palliat Care Date: 2021-05-12 Impact factor: 3.234
Authors: Margo M C van Mol; Sebastian Wagener; Jos M Latour; Paul A Boelen; Peter E Spronk; Corstiaan A den Uil; Judith A C Rietjens Journal: BMC Palliat Care Date: 2020-08-18 Impact factor: 3.234