There is no standardized method by which bereavement care is offered by hospice/palliative care units (PCUs) in Japan.
Aim:
To evaluate bereavement services provided by hospice/PCUs and clarify demands for bereavement care.
Design:
Qualitative design based on semistructured interviews and content analysis.
Setting/participants:
Forty-four bereaved family members of patients with cancer who died in 9 PCUs in 4 regions.
Results:
Memorial services were positively evaluated for the following variables: reunion and interaction with staff; the service’s relaxed atmosphere; staff attentiveness; suitable location; suitable timing; program content; and interaction with other bereaved families. Memorial cards were positively evaluated regarding the level of concern shown by the staff and the personalized card. Respondents indicated their desire for a care system, a bereaved family care program, and information services.
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