Exploring the bereavement support interventions, facilitators and barriers before and after the death of a resident in care home settings: a rapid mixed-methods review.

Purpose of review: Bereavement support in care homes is a critical aspect of end-of-life care that has gained increasing attention in recent years. The purpose of this rapid mixed-methods review is to synthesise evidence on pre- and post-bereavement support interventions as well as facilitators and barriers of bereavement for care home staff, residents, and bereaved family members in care homes.

Recent findings: Ten studies on pre- and post-bereavement support in care homes were identified. A conceptual model of bereavement support in care homes was developed and 11 measures to improve outcomes were identified: educating and training care home staff; facilitating acceptance of death; preparing for death and bereavement; building meaningful relationships; therapeutic communication; compassionate care; establishing a formal organisational culture; social support; advance care planning; and shared decision-making. The most important barriers affecting bereavement support are poor communication around death and being unprepared for death.

Summary: To facilitate higher quality person and family centred care, and to reduce the impact of negative bereavement outcomes for individuals in care homes, we recommend a formal organisational culture that prioritises preparedness for bereavement for care home staff, residents, and bereaved family members.