Overcoming adversity: Insights into an acute hospital service of supported viewing for families bereaved during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

The number of people bereaved due to the Covid-19 pandemic is a major health and social care concern. At a time of unprecedented demand on acute and critical care services, restricted family presence to reduce transmission of the disease had a profound impact on the way bereavement support could be provided in the hospital setting. In response, relatively rapid adaptions to practices were required. This paper provides inspiration and guidance on an acute hospital initiative designed to address the emotional needs of the immediately bereaved. The core features of a supported viewing service are presented through the lens of key employees who played a central role in its development and delivery, and with reference to the prevailing literature. Formal evaluation of the service through qualitative inquiry is recommended, complementary to anecdotal evidence of appreciative uptake of the service during the pandemic.

What difference does a year make? Looking back and ahead in Bereavement - Volume 2

“…Looking back on our recent publications I am pleased to reflect on how their quality and eclecticism supports this goal, and our commitment to critical debate and increasing the diversity of perspectives in the journal. In its mix of research and viewpoint articles the 2022 collection includes views on grief experiences, support needs, bereavement care practices and provision during and beyond the pandemic (Harrop & Selman, 2022;Samuel, 2022;Scott et al, 2022;Walker et al, 2022). Methodological innovations and reflections are another welcome feature (Lytje & Holliday, 2022;Qasim & Carson, 2022), while research with people less heard and served, including diverse international contributions, make up a substantial and much valued proportion of last year's publications (Creed, 2022;Dyregov et al, 2022;Eaton-Stull et al, 2022;Hamiduzzaman et al, 2022;Hamilton et al, 2022;Popoola et al, 20212;Qasim & Carson, 2022;Smidova, 2022).…”