Exploring bereavement care in inpatient settings

Abstract

This paper compares the attitudes and practices of health professionals to the provision of family-centred bereavement care in different Australian inpatient settings: palliative care services, acute care and long stay residential aged care settings. Semi-structured interviews (88) were conducted with doctors, nurses, pastoral carers and allied health staff. Comprehensive bereavement care was not being provided or resourced in the acute and aged care hospitals to the same level as that provided in palliative care services. Residential care provided continuity of care and good support for grieving relatives and other residents. A structured bereavement program is needed in all inpatient settings with palliative care patients, along with resource and education support for health professionals.