Evaluations and needs of bereavement services among the bereaved whose family member died at palliative care units

ABSTRACT

<b>Objectives</b> The purpose of this study is to clarify evaluations and needs of bereavement services among the bereaved whose family member died at palliative care units. <b>Methods</b> A multicenter questionnaire survey was conducted on a sample of bereaved family members of cancer patients who were admitted to palliative care units in Japan. Participants completed self-report questionnaire including the items concerning bereavement services provided by palliative care units and other resources, and the Center for Epidemiologic Study Depression Scale (CES-D). <b>Results</b> Of the 661 questionnaires sent to bereaved family members, 451 responses were analyzed (response rate 68%). The results revealed that 49% of respondents received "memorial cards". Bereavement services were evaluated positively by 88-94% of respondents. The bereaved relatives with higher level of depressive symptoms signicicantly asked for bereavement services. <b>Conclusion</b> These findings did not suggest the efficacies of some beravement services provided by a specified unit, but that of each service itself at palliative care units. And this result supported the notion that all the bereaved did not equally want any beravement services.