Selecting and implementing support groups for bereaved adults

This paper offers a rationale for initiating bereavement support groups in sites providing cancer care and delineates models to implement them. Skills needed to lead a bereavement support group are identified, with emphasis on adding to staff members' competency that has already been developed by facilitating groups for oncology patients and their families.

Bereavement support groups are essential elements in the provision of comprehensive oncology care, though they are seldom offered by staff in the traditional hospital setting. It is important that the bereaved feel that there is a place in which they have the time and understanding required to work through the normal grieving process. Special requirements for facilitators include self-awareness of the impact of loss in their own lives and ability to tolerate both the emotions expressed in the grieving process and the often extended time period required for members' personal healing. Several bereavement support models, including the time-limited, ongoing, monthly, and self-help groups, are documented.

Bereavement support is an essential element in the provision of comprehensive oncology care. Predictive models to identify individuals who are at higher risk for psychological distress could be used in oncology clinics to facilitate early referral or greater psychological support for family members. Staff members wishing to introduce this service can build on skills already developed leading traditional oncology support groups, and can utilize cofacilitation with a mental health professional to ease the anxiety of assuming a new role and obtain mentoring. Recruitment for a group might be achieved by inviting family members of patients who have died within a specific time frame or by issuing press releases to local papers and church bulletins. Offering bereavement support in the oncology setting is especially helpful to family members who might otherwise be unaware of such a service and who now have the opportunity to attend.