6 Routine bereavement calls in an in patient unit

<h3>Introduction</h3> Grief creates a sense of ‘powerlessness and helplessness’ for loved ones [1]. Palliative care goes further than death and involves follow up support. <h3>Aim</h3> Introduce a routine phone call to the NOK of every patient who died in an IPU. The in-patient unit consists of 8 beds. Staff who have cared for the patient, will make the call, allowing a check in on grieving families, and provides the opportunity to refer to bereavement counselling if required. The appropriate person to undertake the call was determined at the weekly MDT meeting, enabling staff who built particularly positive rapports family to make the call, hoping to encourage an open conversation. <h3>Method</h3> Routine bereavement follow up was introduced in June 2024. Calls were logged on WCP, accessible to other stakeholders. All deaths from June – August were retrospectively analysed. Staff were also surveyed pre and post the introduction of a call, with a wide range of staff members surveyed. <h3>Results</h3> Of 56 deaths on the unit, 68% of families received a bereavement contact. There was an average of 11.4 days between death and bereavement contact. Of staff surveyed, all strongly agreed bereavement call follow up should be routine part of care. 82% of those who received calls, were made aware of bereavement counselling. 83% of staff believed 7–14 days post-death was the ideal time for the call to be made. 76% of the calls also documented NOKs were grateful for care received. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Positive early signs that bereavement follow up is becoming an integral part of care delivery. As a new service it is well received by bereaved families and staff recognise its importance. 76% of families they were grateful for care received, highlighting that care is being delivered at a high level.