Nursing in critical care
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Nursing in critical care · Jul 2019
Elements of intensive care bereavement follow-up services: A European survey.
Despite technological innovations and continuous improvement in evidence-based treatments, mortality in the intensive care unit (ICU) remains high. Consequently, a large group of family members may be in need of, and could benefit from, bereavement follow-up support. ⋯ More critical care nurses are realizing the need for bereavement follow-up guidelines. This paper provides an overview of common elements that might be considered. WHAT IS KNOWN ABOUT THIS TOPIC Many families experience the death of a loved one in intensive care unit (ICU). Bereavement services are offered at some ICUs. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS Bereavement services are not systematically offered in European ICUs. Culture-specific guidelines are needed for bereavement follow up in ICUs. Common elements of bereavement services have been identified, for example, viewing the deceased in the unit, providing follow-up information, sending a letter of sympathy, and calling the family to arrange a meeting. Consequences of bereavement in ICU have been discussed, for example, prolonged or complicated grief and lack of closure in the bereaved.
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Nursing in critical care · Jul 2019
Case ReportsFamily bereavement: A case study of controlled organ donation after circulatory death.
Deceased organ donation represents a major source of organs for human transplantation practice. In the United Kingdom, as well as other parts of the world, donation after circulatory death accounts for a proportion of all deceased organ donors. Organ and tissue donation emotively takes place in the context of dying, death and bereavement, yet little is known about the family experience of donation after circulatory death. ⋯ Caring for the grieving family of potential organ donors requires sensitivity and skill. Of importance is a sound professional knowledge and understanding of the clinical care pathway, together with effective teamwork, optimal communication, family and staff support. Further research is required to determine the impact of controlled donation after circulatory death on family grief and bereavement.
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Nursing in critical care · Jul 2019
Family members' opinions about bereavement care after cardiac intensive care unit patients' deaths.
Critical care consensus groups recommend providing bereavement support; however, little is known about what cardiac intensive care patients' families would find useful and beneficial in their grieving process. ⋯ Family perspectives about bereavement needs can help structure services offered by critical care units.