Adding Value to Palliative Care Services: The Development of an Institutional Bereavement Program

Area of Science:

• Palliative Medicine
• Oncology
• Grief Counseling

Background:

• Few healthcare institutions provide universal bereavement services.
• Bereaved individuals face elevated risks of physical and mental health issues.
• Institution-based bereavement programs are crucial for quality patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development of a bereavement program at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI).
• To conceptualize bereavement services as a preventive model of care.

Main Methods:

• Program constructs: education, guidance, and support.
• Key components: formal death acknowledgement, grief information, coping assessments, staff training.
• Survey administered to 140 bereaved families.

Main Results:

• Formal condolence letters and bereavement guides positively impacted grieving.
• Direct contact from oncologists and nurses was highly valued by families.
• Program elements were well-received by bereaved families.

Conclusions:

• Bereavement programs facilitate adaptation to loss.
• These programs enhance hospital reputation and identify care improvement opportunities.
• Hospitals should implement basic bereavement programs as standard care.