Bereavement Training for the Fellows
Objectives
1. To present an overview of the nature of grief from a psychological perspective.
2. To describe the risk factors for a poor bereavement outcome and criteria for prolonged grief disorder.
3. To outline practical techniques that can be used when working with the bereaved.
4. To follow and support families going through the bereavement process.
Readings
An empirical examination of the stage theory of grief. JAMA 297:716-23 (2007). PDF PubMed
Perspectives on care at the close of life. Caring for bereaved patients: "all the doctors just suddenly go". JAMA 286:1369-76 (2001). PDF PubMed
Depression among surviving caregivers: does length of hospice enrollment matter? Am J Psychiatry 161:2257-62 (2004). PDF PubMed
Place of death: correlations with quality of life of patients with cancer and predictors of bereaved caregivers' mental health. J. Clin. Oncol. 28:4457-64 (2010). PDF PubMed
Format
1. Didactics will include four 1-hour seminars which will review pertinent literature and incorporate experiential exercises.
2. Social work mentorship will be provided to fellows who will follow and offer support to families through the bereavement process.
3. Opportunity to observe a bereavement support group or grief seminar.
4. Reflection Presentation - reflections about interacting with the bereaved.
Seminar curriculum
Session 1: The nature of grief
Session 2: Condolence guidelines and strategies to help the bereaved
Session 3: Risk factors for poor bereavement outcomes
Session 4: Reflections about interacting with the bereaved