A bereavement program: good care, quality assurance, and risk management

Oregon Health Sciences University Hospital implemented a proactive bereavement program based on a faculty research project demonstrating poor sensitivity to the families of deceased patients, their subsequent postdeath adjustment, and feelings about interactions at the hospital. The program has improved support to families at the time of death and established a follow-up system that refers families with adjustment difficulties to an appropriate provider. Educational programs have improved the skills and sensitivity of trainees and staff in responding to stressful patient-family situations concerning death and bereavement. Beyond providing optimal care, a bereavement program benefits quality assurance, risk management, and the community image of any hospital.