Shifting to online and telephone bereavement support provision during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed methods study of bereavement service provider perspectives and lessons learnt for current practice
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View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly increased remote bereavement support in the UK. While expanding access, this shift presented challenges and requires tailored approaches and training for providers.
Area Of Science
- Public Health
- Healthcare Delivery
- Grief and Bereavement Studies
Background
- The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated rapid adoption of remote (online/telephone) bereavement support services.
- The full extent, impact, and lessons learned from this transition remain largely unknown.
Purpose Of The Study
- To quantify the shift to remote bereavement support within UK voluntary and community sectors during the pandemic.
- To explore service providers' perspectives on remote support implementation.
- To identify implications for future bereavement care.
Main Methods
- A mixed-methods explanatory sequential study was conducted in spring 2021.
- Included an online survey of 147 UK bereavement services (hospice, national/local charities).
- Followed by 24 qualitative interviews with service staff and volunteers.
Main Results
- Remote support offerings surged: online peer groups (3.4% to 33%), facilitated groups (4.1% to 56%), 1:1 support (8.8% to 83%), and specialist interventions (3.4% to 36%).
- Telephone support also increased; appropriateness varied by client group.
- Organisational challenges arose, particularly for smaller services, though hybrid models improved efficiency.
Conclusions
- Remote bereavement support significantly increased service capacity and has the potential to reduce access inequities.
- Careful tailoring is essential as remote support is not universally appropriate.
- Training and support for staff and volunteers delivering remote services are crucial.
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