Open AccessOvercoming adversity: Insights into an acute hospital service of supported viewing for families bereaved during the Covid-19 pandemic
Author(s) -
Wendy Walker,
Ruth Horton,
Jennifer Jones,
Julie Morrell,
Elaine Roberts
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
bereavement
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2754-7833
DOI - 10.54210/bj.2022.12
Subject(s) - pandemic , covid-19 , service (business) , nursing , psychology , service delivery framework , appreciative inquiry , qualitative research , medicine , public relations , medical emergency , business , sociology , disease , political science , psychotherapist , marketing , social science , pathology , infectious disease (medical specialty)
The number of people bereaved due to the Covid-19 pandemic is a major health and social care concern. At a time of unprecedented demand on acute and critical care services, restricted family presence to reduce transmission of the disease had a profound impact on the way bereavement support could be provided in the hospital setting. In response, relatively rapid adaptions to practices were required. This paper provides inspiration and guidance on an acute hospital initiative designed to address the emotional needs of the immediately bereaved. The core features of a supported viewing service are presented through the lens of key employees who played a central role in its development and delivery, and with reference to the prevailing literature. Formal evaluation of the service through qualitative inquiry is recommended, complementary to anecdotal evidence of appreciative uptake of the service during the pandemic.