Family members' experiences of bereavement in the emergency department: A meta-synthesis of qualitative studies.

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Country of Publication: United States NLM ID: 8506890 Publication Model: Print-Electronic Cited Medium: Internet ISSN: 1091-7683 (Electronic) Linking ISSN: 07481187 NLM ISO Abbreviation: Death Stud Subsets: MEDLINE

Publication: <1988- > : Washington, D.C. : Taylor and Francis
Original Publication: Washington, D.C. : Hemisphere Pub. Corp., c1985-

Bereavement* ; Family*/psychology ; Emergency Service, Hospital* ; Qualitative Research*; Humans

The emergency department (ED) is one of the places where patient deaths frequently occur. Understanding family members' experiences of bereavement would help provide individualized bereavement care. We conducted a meta-synthesis to synthesize family members' experiences of bereavement in the ED and assess the impact of bereavement on their lives. We searched seven international electronic databases. Five studies were selected and critically appraised. Thematic analysis was employed. Five themes (with 13 subthemes) were derived: suffering sudden changes and are severely impacted, multiple feelings and needs of waiting, final farewell, personal and family difficulties after leaving the ED, and journey through grief. Family members endured agonizing waits to see and learn more about their family members' condition. Family members reported the need for effective follow-up resources. Findings revealed that it would be helpful if the EDs could provide sensitive and respectful care to family members.

Date Created: 20240309 Date Completed: 20250127 Latest Revision: 20250127

20250127

10.1080/07481187.2024.2324907

38459868