title: Evaluation of bereavement intervention.
abstract: We report the first phase in a research program aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of bereavement counselling as a health promotion strategy. The Lindemann Model of grief management is used as an effectiveness measure of bereavement counselling via the Heimler Scale of Social Functioning. Thirty key persons of cancer patients cared for on a palliative care unit were involved in a longitudinal randomized experiment. Analysis of the data suggests further work is required regarding the timing of bereavement intervention. The traditional idea of bereavement intervention beginning after the death of the patient is challenged. In addition, the data suggest further tool development specific to a bereaved population. Strengthening community health services for the survivors of the terminally ill is supported.
authors.forename: L S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Scruby
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Sloan
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001601:Bereavement; D003376:Counseling; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006699:Home Care Services / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008350:Manitoba; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D013727:Terminal Care