Post-mortal bereavement of family caregivers in Germany: a prospective interview-based investigation

Care aspects of outpatient palliative-care teams involve the medical, psychological, and spiritual needs of patients and their caregivers. The objective of our study was to examine the post-mortal bereavement of family caregivers.

The investigation was based on interviews with 50 family caregivers of 50 palliative-care patients assessed by a palliative-care team. Each caregiver was interviewed using interview sheets (mixed method designs) in accordance with three groups of validated criteria for complicated grief: Prigerson, Horowitz, and ICD-10.

Forty-six family caregivers of terminally ill patients participated in the study. Complicated grief existed in up to 30% of the caregivers, based on the three sets of criteria. There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) among the three groups and no significant differences were found (P > 0.05) in relation to age, sex, psychosocial distress, primary cancer disease, and duration of illness or quality of care. Overall, 97% of the care-giving relatives were satisfied with the help given by the palliative-care team.

The results of the study suggest that care from a specialized palliative-care team providing psychological and social support may reduce the risk of complicated grief. Careful exploration of possible risk factors for complicated grief is important for optimal care. Our study shows that healthcare providers play an important role in helping family caregivers to manage the multiple burdens and the grieving reaction. Family-focused grief therapy may prevent complicated grieving reactions.