Problem Statement

Losing a loved one is a profound event that initiates a natural grieving process. If this process is not properly supported, it can threaten the health of the bereaved, with an increased risk of physical and psychological problems.

The way people grieve is diverse and depends on personal, cultural, and societal factors (2). On top of that, the guidance and (recognition of) grief among the bereaved still depends heavily on the individual capabilities and motivation of health- and social workers. The latter must be able to correctly assess the situation the bereaved find themselves in.

Our earlier research shows that health- and social workers still have too little knowledge and skill to support the bereaved after loss. Although increasing attention is being paid in Belgium – as in many other European regions – to the need for specialised support during the grieving process, it appears that grief support is not available to everyone.

Health- and social workers are expected to guide grieving relatives through the transition from the institutional setting (e.g. hospitals and long term care facilities) to their own social environment (neighbourhood, family, and broader context) (3). They are also expected to strengthen the social environment so that grieving relatives can be supported in a sustainable way.

When the bereaved are supported by both professionals and their own network, the expectation is that support from care organisations will decrease over time, with support from the bereaved person's own network playing an increasingly important role. However, this shift does not proceed linearly, but rather in a fluctuating movement between greater professional care needs at one moment and sufficient support from the social network at another (3). This is referred to as transitional grief care.

Relevance to the Field

The project addresses an explicit need within the healthcare landscape: strengthening grief competencies among health- and social workers. By gaining insight into their current grief literacy, the project aims to improve the quality of grief care and facilitate the transition from institutional to social support.

This contributes to the prevention of complicated grief and promotes sustainable care relationships and interprofessional collaboration.

Research Question

What is the current state of affairs regarding grief literacy among health- and social workers, and how can this be measured in a valid and reliable way?

Research Approach

We are conducting mixed-methods research during the period September 2025 to December 2026. This consists of a systematic literature review on grief literacy and existing measurement instruments.

We are developing and validating a new “Grief Literacy Scale.”

(Expected) Output

• Publication of a systematic review in a peer-reviewed A1 journal
• Development and validation of a measurement scale for grief literacy
• Development of a consultancy track and micro-credential for care organisations
• Integration of project results into educational modules

Read the report on our previously conducted research

Valorisation and Dissemination

The research results are disseminated through international and national conferences such as EGC in Porto 2026, scientific publications, and implementation in the field.

The Grief Literacy Scale will be made available for effect evaluations and will form the basis for follow-up research into grief interventions.

In addition, a consultancy track and micro-credential will be developed, and the insights will be integrated into the curriculum of healthcare education programmes.

Researchers

• sophie.albrecht@kdg.be
• jente.bontinck@kdg.be
• sandrine.herbelet@kdg.be

Contact

Are you a care provider and would you like to contribute to this research?

Feel free to contact sophie.albrecht@kdg.be for more information.