A Systematic Review of International Bereavement Models of Care and Implementation Barriers and Facilitators

Bereavement care can facilitate adjustment to death and reduce immediate distress and long-term morbidity, mortality and health service utilisation. This systematic review aimed to identify international models of bereavement care, and barriers and facilitators to implementing such models. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO identified 64 studies for inclusion. The most common forms of bereavement support were bereavement packs, memory-making activities, condolence cards, memorial services, and follow-up contact. Only 14 models included a formal assessment of complex grief, and 17 studies considered culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Barriers included lack of institutional/financial support, staff discomfort delivering care, lack of dedicated staffing, and difficulty collecting/maintaining information. Facilitators were adequate funding/infrastructure, formal protocols/procedures, dedicated staffing, and staff training and support. Future research should address bereavement models of care in settings beyond palliative care, considering culturally and linguistically diverse populations, and should provide implementation data and strategies.