Developing a model of bereavement care in an adult tertiary hospital

Abstract

Objectives: Hospitals are the most common place of death in Australia. Bereavement care is recognised by national standards as being central to providing high-quality care at the end of life, and has significant health implications on morbidity, mortality and health service usage. Despite this, bereavement care is not routinely or systematically provided in most Australian hospitals. This study aimed to develop a comprehensive, evidence-based model of bereavement care specific to the needs of an acute Australian adult tertiary hospital. Methods: This study used a multiple-methods design, which included a scoping literature review, a survey of current institutional bereavement practices, inte..