Transitional institution-based bereavement care and grief literacy among healthcare professionals in Flanders

In this research, we map out the approaches currently used in our healthcare system and funeral services to support close relations during the grieving process. It also examines the level of grief literacy and competencies among healthcare providers.

  • In brief:
    • Investing in grief care is a "public health priority," as noted by The Lancet in 2024 (Lichtenthal et al).
    •  When this grieving period is not adequately supported, it can lead to health issues. Bereaved individuals face an increased risk of physical and psychological problems.
    • The support and recognition of grief depend highly on healthcare providers and the context in which the bereaved find themselves. Grief support is not easily accessible to everyone.
    • The conditions necessary to implement a transitional grief care model within Flemish healthcare and welfare services will also be explored.

Contact

Sophie.albrecht@kdg.be

  • Funding: PWO
  • Research center: Care in Connection
  • Duration of study: 1 September 2024 - 31 August 2025
  • External project members: 
    • Prof. Dr. Liesbeth De Donder, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (SARlab) 
    • Prof. Dr. Johan Wens, University of Antwerp (UA) 
    • Johan Dexters, Director, Funebra 
    • Maartje Wils, Nurse, Director of Care, WZC D’Eycken Brug-Solidum vzw 
    • Jasmina Van Eeckhout, Nurse, Lecturer at KdG 
    • Kristien Henderickx, Professional Association of Chaplains 
    • Yong Hao Ng (PhD), Social Worker, Researcher, University of Hong Kong (Grief Literacy Index) 

Problem statement

The loss of a loved one is a profound experience, with grief being a natural process. How people grieve varies greatly, influenced by personal, cultural, and societal factors. In Flanders, more people are focusing on transitional grief care. This approach sees grief as a changing process. It needs ongoing support, especially from society and “caring neighborhoods.”

This project focuses on transitional grief, a continuum of support bridging professional care and the social environment of the bereaved. To successfully integrate this model, grief literacy is needed among both professionals and the broader community. The challenge lies in balancing roles between professional care and community-based support without enforcing a one-size-fits-all approach.

Research questions

This exploratory research seeks to map out the standard procedures, protocols (and rituals) used by professionals in care institutions to guide bereaved individuals during the mourning period, as well as the underlying reasons for whether or not these practices are implemented. 

The aim is to provide an overview of the current "as is" state of transitional grief care in chronic and acute care settings (regardless of the age or profile of the deceased) and identify factors influencing grief support professionals provide.

Additionally, the grief literacy and competencies of healthcare providers will be assessed. A solid understanding of grief, how to recognize it, and how to communicate about it are essential for effective grief care.

Research approach

The approach will be a mixed-method study combining qualitative and quantitative methods for a comprehensive understanding. The research will first map out protocols and guidelines for grief support in various institutions, including hospitals, funeral services, and residential care centers (RCCs), using email surveys and interviews.

A cross-sectional quantitative survey will be conducted to develop and test a scale/questionnaire for measuring grief literacy and competencies. This tool will be carefully developed in collaboration with experts.

Expected output

  • Dissemination event (Lunch & Learn).
  • Output shared via website and LinkedIn.
  • Active distribution of project results within our partner network.

Researchers

Contact

Are you a healthcare provider or researcher, and interested in contributing to this research? 
Feel free to contact Sophie Albrecht at sophie.albrecht@kdg.be for more information. 

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  • Innovative methods to improve healthcare practices for patients and providers.

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