Developing a Bereavement Model of Care for an Australian Health Context

This research explored current practices, gaps in services and resources, and identified barriers and facilitators to implementing a bereavement model of care in an Australian health setting. We conducted 34 interviews with staff/volunteers who provide bereavement care to explore their practice and perceptions of care delivery. Five themes were identified through thematic and framework analysis: 1. Conceptualisation of bereavement was setting dependent; 2. Formal versus informal delivery of care; 3. Current bereavement care, referral pathways, and evaluation; 4. Barriers and Facilitators to accessing and providing care; 5. An ideal bereavement model of care. This research highlighted gaps in services and suggests a disconnect between current practice and ideal bereavement care delivery. We present an evidence-based bereaved-centred model of care, that can be tailored to fit specific health context and settings. Identified barriers and facilitators to implementing this model of care should inform strategies that underpin implementation of the model.