Aim
Bereavement support for family caregivers is recognised as an important health care priority, and is an indicator of quality end of life care. Appropriate bereavement support helps prevent poor physical and psychological health. Unfortunately, the provision of bereavement support tends to be variable and unsystematic.
This study aims to develop a consensus-based, model of bereavement care for St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne (SVHM).
Research Overview
Phase 1 will involve scoping recent evidence defining optimal bereavement care via a systematic literature and policy review.
Phase 2 will determine current bereavement practices and unmet need at SVHM, according to the perspectives of SVHM bereaved families, and health professionals involved in bereavement care. Phase 3 will define and document a recommended SVHM-wide approach to bereavement care.
Such a model is anticipated to have direct and significant benefits for the families of the 900 patients who die at SVHM each year.
Project Team
- Prof Peter Hudson , Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- A/Prof Jennifer Philip, Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- Ms Anna Collins, Centre for Palliative Care, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- Dr Justin Dwyer, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- A/Prof Sue-Anne McLachlan, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- Ms Shirley Condon, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- Dr Carrie Lethborg, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- Ms Annie Forrest, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne
- Dr Matt Grant
Executive Support
Lisa McDonald and Ashima Gupta
Key Contact
Dr Matt Grant
Phone: 9416 0000
Funding Source
St Vincent's Research Endowment Fund: Allied Health