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Published on: February 16, 2011
A Systems Approach to Improving Care for All Bereaved Families
1Mimi Jenko, DNP, RN, CHPN, PMHCNS-BC, is professor of nursing, Polk State College, Winter Haven, Florida. Nancy M. Short, DrPH, MBA, RN, is associate professor, Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina.
Abstract:
Bereavement services for families are an established part of hospice and palliative care. However, patients also die in the acute care and long-term care environments. Often, hospice is not involved, creating a potential gap in care. This article recounts a journey to improve care for all families of deceased patients, despite the presence or absence of hospice. A palliative care clinical nurse specialist led a quality improvement team, which used a systems thinking approach to develop and implement a downloadable bereavement booklet for families. Expected and unexpected outcomes are discussed for this replicable project.
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