Bereavement Care in the Adult Intensive Care Unit: Directions for Practice

Bereavement support is recommended as part of family-centered care in critical care settings. This literature review describes the impact on a family after the death of a loved one in the intensive care unit (ICU) and how bereavement services could help. Potential components of a bereavement program are explored, including tangible contents (eg, bereavement brochure, sympathy card, memory making), family preferences, and optimal timing. A bereavement risk assessment tool is also described to more optimally meet families' needs. Finally, the goal of this review is to guide ICUs in planning and developing of a successful and sustainable bereavement program.