Surviving spousal bereavement--insights for GPs.
BACKGROUND
Spousal bereavement is documented as a highly stressful event. This article presents findings from research that explored bereavement survivors' perspectives on what support factors were most helpful to them.


METHODS
A qualitative telephone survey was conducted with caregiver spouses of Cittamani Hospice Service clients who died during 2005 and 2006.


RESULTS
Partner loss results in significant grief; the initial period is most intense but the grieving continues over a long period. Factors identified as assisting bereaved spouses include: hospice bereavement assistance provided before, during and following the bereavement; having a support network, including both informal support networks and formal support from general practitioners; and keeping active and busy.


CONCLUSIONS
General practitioners play an important role in bereavement care. Key factors assisting bereavement survivors include appropriate referral to palliative care, maintaining a supportive informal network and keeping busy.
McGrath
Pam
P
International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, Queensland. pam_mcgrath@bigpond.com
Holewa
Hamish
H
McNaught
Meg
M
D001601:Bereavement; D058005:General Practitioners; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011793:Queensland; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses