Some issues in the provision of adult bereavement support by UK hospices.
This paper considers some issues in the provision of adult bereavement support in UK hospices. The paper is based on the findings of a multi-method study conducted in two phases over 30 months (2003-2005) to examine the nature and quality of adult bereavement support in UK hospices from the perspectives of bereaved people and professional and volunteer bereavement workers [Field, Reid, Payne, & Relf (2005). Adult Bereavement Support in Five Hospices in England. Sheffield, UK: Palliative and End-of-Life Care Research Group, University of Sheffield. (Available from Professor Payne)]. It discusses the importance of continuity between pre-bereavement and bereavement support, the integration of bereavement services within hospices and the involvement of volunteers in bereavement support. It then discusses the engagement of UK hospices in the broader development of bereavement support. Although hospices have developed expertise in supporting bereaved people, our research suggests that they have not had a major impact on other health service providers, such as general practitioners and distinct nurses and staff in acute hospital trusts, in this area.
Field
David
D
Leicester Warwick Medical School, Leicester, UK.
Payne
Sheila
S
Relf
Marilyn
M
Reid
David
D
D003625:Data Collection; D017144:Focus Groups; D006117:Grief; D006738:Hospices; D006801:Humans; D012944:Social Support; D006113:United Kingdom