Service of Remembrance: a comprehensive cancer center's response to bereaved family members.
Comprehensive cancer centers that offer an array of clinical trials and treatment options often experience significant patient mortality rates. Bereavement resources may not be routinely incorporated into the service delivery model in these specialty hospitals. In response, an interdisciplinary team at one cancer center proposed, planned, and implemented an annual Service of Remembrance. The incorporation of music, poetry, and visual arts was important in designing a program that would provide a meaningful, spiritual experience. A community artist who designed an interactive memorial art piece played a pivotal role. This article outlines the process of institutional culture change and describes future challenges in the implementation of this type of bereavement service.
Harry J. Duffey Family Patient and Family Services Program, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland 21231, USA.
Louise
L
Knight
Rhonda S
RS
Cooper
Cinder
C
Hypki
D001154:Art; D001601:Bereavement; D002604:Chaplaincy Service, Hospital / Q000379:methods*; D005190:Family; D006282:Health Personnel; D006801:Humans; D009146:Music; D009369:Neoplasms; D012944:Social Support; D012947:Social Work / Q000379:methods*