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Surviving spousal bereavement: Insights for GPs
journal contribution
posted on 2022-04-04, 05:15 authored by Pamela McgrathPamela Mcgrath, Hamish HolewaHamish Holewa, M McNaughtBACKGROUND Spousal bereavement is documented as a highly stressful event. This article presents findings from research that explored bereavement survivors’ perspectives on what support factors were most helpful to them. METHODS A qualitative telephone survey was conducted with caregiver spouses of Cittamani Hospice Service clients who died during 2005 and 2006. RESULTS Partner loss results in significant grief; the initial period is most intense but the grieving continues over a long period. Factors identified as assisting bereaved spouses include: hospice bereavement assistance provided before, during and following the bereavement; having a support network, including both informal support networks and formal support from general practitioners; and keeping active and busy. DISCUSSION General practitioners play an important role in bereavement care. Key factors assisting bereavement survivors include appropriate referral to palliative care, maintaining a supportive informal network and keeping busy.
Funding
Category 1 - Australian Competitive Grants (this includes ARC, NHMRC)
History
Volume
39Issue
10Start Page
780End Page
783Number of Pages
4ISSN
0300-8495Location
South Melbourne, VicPublisher
Royal Australian College of General PractitionersFull Text URL
Language
en-ausPeer Reviewed
- Yes
Open Access
- No
External Author Affiliations
Cittamani Hospice Service (Palmwoods, Qld.); Institute for Health and Social Science Research (IHSSR); International Program of Psycho-Social Health Research;Era Eligible
- Yes