PP-27 A primary care approach to bereavement

<h3>Introduction</h3> GPs are ideally placed to provide bereavement care, given the long-term relationships we have with our patients and our expertise in communication skills. Qualitative research continues to show that this work may be viewed as time-consuming and can instil feelings of powerlessness in clinicians.^{1 2} <h3>Aims</h3> We have developed a training module for clinicians which draws on current grief theory and examines how we might use our short GP consultations to support bereaved patients over months and years. This is the first such resource aimed uniquely at those of us working in primary care. <h3>Methods</h3> We explored literature on bereavement support in primary care, as well as modern grief theory and neuroscience, to design a consultation model which parallels other consultation models and acknowledges the non-linear nature of grief. We then used our combined clinical and teaching experience to ensure the model is simple, memorable and easily applicable. <h3>Results</h3> Based on a triangle, we highlight 3 distinct points in any grieving process and suggest communication styles which clinicians may find helpful at each. ‘Acute grief’ is characterised by strong emotion and the role of the clinician is to listen with kindness, tolerate distress and normalise the need for support. ‘Storytelling’ involves recalling memories and is a vital part of adjustment to loss; active listening and open questioning will support this. ‘Looking forward’ describes mature grief, when clinicians may find a coaching style of communication useful. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Our model is designed to be universally applicable, and we anticipate that with experience clinicians will be able to switch easily between communication styles and individualise each consultation. <h3>Impact</h3> Using this simple resource, we would like to see bereavement care featuring prominently on the GP training curriculum and a nationally standardised approach for providing bereavement care across the NHS. <h3>References</h3> Pearce C, Wong G, Barclay S. Bereavement care during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. <i>Br J Gen Pract.</i> 2021; https://doi.org/10.3399/bjgp21X715625 Pearce C, Wong G, Kuhn I, Barclay S. Supporting bereavement and complicated grief in primary care: a realist review. <i>BJGP Open.</i> 2021;<b>5</b>(3) doi.org/10.3399/BJGPO.2021.0008