Sudden bereavement in accident and emergency: the development and evaluation of a short educational course for...

Qualified nurses working in the Accident and Emergency (A & E) department are in a unique position to assist family members following the crisis event of sudden bereavement. However, there is evidence that many nurses lack specific educational preparation for this demanding role. This paper describes the development of a short course designed to meet the needs of A & E nurses with a variety of experience of working with the bereaved. Particular reference is made to content and the use of experiential teaching methods, as opposed to more didactic approaches. The results of a self administered questionnaire (n = 30) designed to evaluate the first three courses run, which was returned by the participants 4 weeks after the end of each course, are presented. A majority of the sample reported increased knowledge and confidence regarding the management of sudden bereavement following the courses. Twenty-seven (90%) of the respondents stated that their personal anxiety about death and dying had decreased. Some concern was expressed, however, about the particular value or role play as a teaching method. A number of possible explanations for this are discussed in the light of the literature.