Authors (including presenting author) :
Wai NT(1), Ho SF(1), Chu KF(1), Tong KO(1), Chan KL(1), Fung SC(1), Choi PY(1), Chan CF(1), Chu KW(1), Lee LY(1), Ng KL(1), So PY(1), Chan CY(1), Chan CH(2), Wong MC(1), Lo SH(1), Wong CS(1)
Affiliation :
(1) Department of Clinical Oncology, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR (2) Nursing Services Division, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong SAR
Introduction :
People hardly go through life without experiencing grief. Before and after the death of a loved one, the whole family usually experiences complex emotions. Studies have shown that unexpected or untimely death could cause overwhelming responses, stresses, and anxiety, and ultimately increased health care costs. Handling the grief reactions were highly demanding to the clinicians. To ensure better support to the patients and relatives, “An Anticipated Grief” is important.
Objectives :
To enhance mutual communication between clinicians, patients, and relatives. To ensure patients and relatives be informed about the deterioration of condition. To minimize overwhelming responses from the unexpected death. To support relatives before patient’s death.
Methodology :
Death could happen unpredictable, sudden deterioration could happen at anytime. When the relatives receive a call about the death of a loved one during their busy time, they could feel extremely shock, and then followed by complaints and have negative emotional reactions. Universal Screening and Advanced Phone Call End of Life (EOL) coordinators were trained to conduct universal screening in every morning to identify dying patients and inform the relatives as soon as possible before the death. Relatives were encouraged to visit and accompany with the patients. EOL coordinators would assess patients during hospitalization, the assessment including family background, social and psychological aspect, so that they can provide pre-bereavement care to minimize the psychological impact and reach relatives effectively before the loss. Touch “I feel so guilty and angry about the whole thing”. It was common among bereavements. Studies have proven that relatives would prefer having the opportunity to participate in EOL care. Relatives were encouraged to hold the patients’ hands, talk with patients, and assist in personal hygiene. It was very helpful to relieve relatives from the burden as relatives were able to help and stay with the patients in the last moment of life. Preparedness and Pre-bereavement care Lack of information, uncertainty, and unpredictability could lead to low preparedness and misunderstanding. Clinicians and EOL coordinators would continuously assess the patients; inform the family to be prepared in advance. Early interventions with multi-disciplinary team were arranged to patients and relatives, who had difficulties to accept the death. Pre-bereavement care enable patients and their families well-prepared grief and strengthen their coping.
Result & Outcome :
Last year there were 549 pre-bereavement care were provided. 109 appreciations were received. Pre-bereavement care plays an important role in anticipated grief and minimizing negative emotional reactions.
Co-location with:
