What bereaved people have found helpful following death of a loved one in a hospital: a survey study
Abstract
Given the individual and public health impact of bereavement, discovering what people perceive as helpful after loss can improve interventions. In contrast to national projects, this project focused on two hospitals in a Midwestern hospital system.
A survey was developed to assess the work of chaplains with next of kin following a death, to assess the awareness and helpfulness of persons and organizations in the community, and to ask what people had done, said, or given that was helpful, or what respondents wished people had done. From a list of 283 people invited to respond, 52 completed the survey.
Survey responses indicated that chaplains were perceived as helpful in providing resources and support. Family and friends were the most used sources of support, RNs and physicians were the most helpful. Support from church sources was identified as helpful through unprompted responses. A theme identified as “remembering” emerged in several places, related to remembering the life and dates and stories about the deceased.
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-30-2025
Recommended Citation
Swanson, Jon PhD; Flanagan, Mindy PhD; and Pfafman, Rachel MPH, MBA, "What bereaved people have found helpful following death of a loved one in a hospital: a survey study" (2025). Other Specialties. 61.
https://researchrepository.parkviewhealth.org/other/61