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Review
. 2017 Dec 5;4(2):2055102917742918.
doi: 10.1177/2055102917742918. eCollection 2017 Jul-Dec.

The development of a narrative describing the bereavement of families of potential organ donors: A systematic review

Sean Glenton Dicks  1 , Kristen Ranse  1 , Holly Northam  1 , Douglas P Boer  1 , Frank Mp van Haren  1   2
Affiliations
Review

The development of a narrative describing the bereavement of families of potential organ donors: A systematic review

Sean Glenton Dicks et al. Health Psychol Open. .

Abstract

Families of potential post-mortem organ donors face various challenges in the unfamiliar hospital context and after returning home. This review of sources published between 1968 and 2017 seeks to understand their journey as a bereavement experience with a number of unique features. Grief theory was used to identify ways that staff can assist family members to tolerate ambiguities and vulnerabilities while contributing to an environment characterised by compassion and social inclusion. Staff can guide families and create opportunities for meaningful participation, building resilience and developing bereavement-related skills that could assist them in the months that follow.

Keywords: aftercare; bereavement; care; considering organ donation; donation; family centred; family narrative; meaning; organ donation; organ donor; sudden death; tissue.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Selection of sources to be included.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Features of meaning making and narrative.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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