A Tale of Two Surveys: Life-Affirming Strategy of Mortuary Improves the Quality of Bereavement Care After Hospital Death
- 1 February 2023
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in OMEGA - Journal of Death and Dying
- Vol. 86 (3), 833-848
- https://doi.org/10.1177/0030222821992188
Abstract
Background The mortuary plays an important, under-recognized role in end-of-life care. A 'Life-affirming strategy' was introduced in the mortuary of a university hospital to enhance respect for the deceased and next-of-kin (NOK). Design: NOK who collected bodies in the mortuary of a university hospital participated in a survey. The satisfaction scores, needs and expectations were compared with a similar survey from 2015. Results: The overall experience for NOK improved significantly compared with 2015. The greatest improvement was achieved in 'mortuary environment', 'attitude of mortuary staff' and 'body viewing arrangement in the mortuary'. The perceived need for additional psychosocial support was significantly reduced. Conclusions: Results demonstrate success of the life-affirming strategy in enhancing end-of-life care for bereaved families. The person-centered approach modernizes and professionalizes mortuary services, with a positive impact on the deceased, NOK, mortuary staff, hospital administration and wider community.Keywords
This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- A missing link? The role of mortuary staff in hospital-based bereavement care servicesBereavement Care, 2013