Research Participation for Bereaved Family Members

Abstract

Bereavement research is possible after loss of a loved one in the ICU and may even be beneficial for family members. Exploring families' experiences of research participation helps define specific family needs in this setting. After the loss of a loved one in the ICU, bereaved families need opportunities to voice their feelings about their experience in the ICU and to give meaning to the end-of-life process; families also need to feel that they are still cared for. Support for the family may need to be developed after loss of a loved one in the ICU in the form of condolence letters, phone calls, or postintensive care meetings.