The value of a single structured bereavement visit

Abstract

This article outlines the value of a single bereavement visit and suggests that district nurses are well placed to give such supportive help through their established relationship with the carers/family. The article proposes a structure for the visit and approaches to on-going needs assessment.

The role of the district nurse in bereavement support

“…1987), which includes the provision of information about health problems and services available. Some have suggested that district nurses are ideally placed to offer bereavement support, advice and information, especially when they have provided palliative care in the community (Costello 1995, Koodiaroff 1999, Monroe & Smith 1997). However, our results do not support this, as 44% said no information was provided to bereaved people about the emotional impact of grief and 11% did not know.…”

“…When district nurses have provided palliative care in the community they may be well placed to offer bereavement care as they are multiskilled, in the right place (client's home) and there at the right time (time of death) (Koodiaroff 1999). They may also have a key role in assessing the needs of the bereaved person, detecting any abnormal pathological grief, helping the individual with the pain of grief, and offering advice, support and information (Costello 1995, Monroe & Smith 1997).…”

District nursing – sharing an understanding by being present. Experiences of encounters with people with serious chronic illness and their close relatives in their homes

“…People with serious chronic illness spend most of their time in their home and live a life that often demands help from others. When they are discharged from hospital, the district nurse (DN) is a key person in their continued care at home and even has a key role in bereavement care for surviving relatives (Costello, 1995; Monroe & Smith, 1997; Koodiaroff, 1999; Birtwistle et al. , 2002).…”

Supporting bereavement and complicated grief in primary care: a realist review

“…For patients, the opportunity to speak about their grief and to be listened to was important (CMOC18, 21). 27 , 43 , 46 – 48 , 53 , 62 Clinician avoidance of discussing the loss was viewed as negative and dismissive, 48 whereas displaying emotions, being attentive to patient feelings, and, in some cases, physical touch were viewed positively. 46 Perceived negative responses from clinicians could increase difficulties in the grieving process (CMOC18) 25 , 40 .…”