The state of bereavement support in adult intensive care: a systematic review and narrative synthesis

Nikolaos Efstathiou, Wendy Walker, Alison Metcalfe, Brandi Vanderspank-Wright

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)
520 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Purpose: Despite advances in medical science, patient death and family bereavement are commonly encountered in adult intensive care units (ICUs). This is the first review to investigate the state of ICU bereavement support globally, and the availability and effectiveness of bereavement support interventions.

Methods: A systematic review and narrative synthesis. Medline, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, EMBASE were searched and inclusion/exclusion criteria were applied. Included studies were appraised using relevant appraisal tools.

Results: Fourteen papers formed the review; five of which were international surveys reporting variable bereavement practices and levels of support. A lack of training and resources were identified barriers. Nine papers reported the effectiveness of primarily discrete bereavement support interventions including: a personal memento, a handwritten condolence letter, a post-death meeting; storytelling, research participation, use of an ICU diary. One study evaluated a bereavement follow-up program. Generally, all identified interventions were well accepted by bereaved families.

Conclusions: The reviewed evidence was weak, and findings were contextually bound. As such, it is difficult to make recommendations for the most acceptable and effective bereavement support intervention(s). Bereavement support in ICU needs further exploration and clinicians must be adequately trained and supported for the delivery of evidence-informed, culturally competent care.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)177-187
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Critical Care
Volume50
Early online date1 Dec 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2019

Keywords

  • Bereavement
  • Intensive care units
  • Narrative synthesis
  • Systematic review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The state of bereavement support in adult intensive care: a systematic review and narrative synthesis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this