title: Surviving spousal bereavement--insights for GPs.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research, Central Queensland University, Brisbane, Queensland. pam_mcgrath@bigpond.com
authors.forename: Pam
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: McGrath
authors.forename: Hamish
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Holewa
authors.forename: Meg
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: McNaught
mesh_terms: D001601:Bereavement; D058005:General Practitioners; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D011793:Queensland; D012944:Social Support; D018454:Spouses