Background
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.
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.
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.
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