Mapping Interventions for Family Members Grieving the Loss of a Relative Who Died From COVID-19: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Background/aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused considerable disruptions to daily social routines and to the lived and subjective experience of grief and bereavement. We performed a scoping review of the scientific literature to understand the extent to which psychosocial and psychotherapeutic support for family members grieving the loss of a relative who died from COVID-19 are offered in health and social care facilities and community settings. Methods: The scoping review used Arksey and O'Malley's framework and the principles of the Joanna Briggs Institute. A systematic literature search is carried out to identify relevant evidence through the following research databases PubMed, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Relevant grey literature, preprints and research protocols registries were retrievable through supplemental online resources. The database search is limited to studies from February 2020 [first death by COVID-19] to the study's start date. Results: From the 40 identified articles, 5 were included in the analysis. Efforts to aid the bereaved have increasingly focused on the physical and psychological morbidity and the spiritual suffering and social isolation associated with bereavement. Some psychosocial strategies are presented and include support groups, counselling, self-care or selfmanagement, educational programs, workshops, telehealth, and online support. In addition, psychotherapeutic interventions are mostly based on cognitive-behavioural components with the bereaved because they reduce the future probability of psychological or medical problems. Conclusions: Expressions of condolence, affection and spirituality tend to be important resources for many families, contributing to activating coping mechanisms and fostering adjustment and resilience in the face of loss. Healthcare professionals should be prepared for post bereavement support favouring the necessary referrals when there are risk factors for prolonged grief.