What's New in the Project?
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Photo by Danielle MacInnes on Unsplash
As a health professional, you may be experiencing feelings of grief normally thought to be only associated with loss through death. Wide-ranging feelings can be expected at any time due to losses such as familiar routines, security, employment, a wedding, or even the loss of family, friends or work colleagues.
Grieving and mourning may significantly change as people face these new and continual losses. It is important to grieve for what was.
In our COVID-19 resources, read more about:
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Our education is always freely available. Start or recommence your learning anytime to improve your confidence in end-of-life care.
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Sector News
- Palliative Care Australia have launched new online self-care resources to assist in preventing burnout and building resistance. Planning and practising effective self-care strategies can sustain your capacity to flourish and support others, both personally and professionally, especially when faced with suffering or providing compassionate care for those struggling with the realities of living with dying.
- 'When Someone You Care About Dies in Hospital' is an online resource produced by the Emergency Department Social Work Team of St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney. This resource holds practical advice for families and friends with recommended reading lists for various age groups.
- The Australian Centre for Grief and Bereavement is an independent, not-for-profit organisation which provides a range of education, training, research and professional service options for those working in the area of grief and bereavement. Opportunities are available to attend seminars, workshops and courses, to undertake clinical work placements and receive supervision.
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Latest Evidence
- Grief is a normal reaction, and most family members experience grief following a death. Typically, grief subsides without any major psychological or medical impairment. Nevertheless, some family members may experience complicated grief reactions, with symptoms lasting months or years, and complicated grief is particularly prominent among family members of those who die in the intensive care unit (ICU). The purpose of this study was to examine how family members experience grief, particularly complicated grief, to inform future early screening and support programs in the ICU.
Downar J, Sinuff T, Kalocsai C, et al. A qualitative study of bereaved family members with complicated grief following a death in the intensive care unit. Can J Anaesth. 2020;67(6):685‐693. doi:10.1007/s12630-020-01573-z
- A family-centred approach to end-of-life care that acknowledges the values and preferences of families in the intensive care unit is important. These families have unmet needs related to communication, support and bereavement care. Effective communication and support are central to preparedness and if these care components are in place, families can be better equipped to manage the death, their sadness, loss and grief. The findings suggest that health professionals may benefit from specialist end-of-life care education, to support families and guide the establishment of preparedness.
Coventry A, Ford R, Rosenberg J, Mcinnes E. A qualitative meta-synthesis investigating the experiences of the patient's family when treatment is withdrawn in the intensive care unit J Adv Nurs. 2020;10.1111/jan.14416. doi:10.1111/jan.14416
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For your Notice Board
Each month we feature a fact sheet or poster to print. Click on the image below to print, or our promotional resources can be downloaded anytime.
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Next Newsletter
July 2020
Please forward this newsletter to others who may be interested, subscribe to the newsletter or contact us on eolessentials@flinders.edu.au for any queries.
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