Management model of caregiver’s grief in a tertiary oncological center Hospice: from anticipatory mourning to condolence conversation: preliminary observations

Background Bereavement is a physiological process of great importance in palliative care; grief-processing disorders can be diagnosed after at least 6 months after death and have severe clinical or psychological consequences. Aim of the study is to verify how adequate management of anticipatory mourning and condolence conversation in the early grief stages can be protective. Methods Patients and caregivers are supported by the multidisciplinary team by semi structured interviews. In condolence conversation within 1 month of the death, we identify elements of suspicion of psychological fragility that require support for an adequate processing of the loss. Results From condolence conversation, only 3% of the caregivers who had been psychologically supported during the hospital stay and demonstrated a good level of acceptance of their relative's end of life, showed problems in grieving within 1 month of death; none showed excessive avoidance of memories, difficulties with trust and feelings of emotional loneliness. Conclusions Despite the limitations, the preliminary data of our study clearly suggests the protective potential of multidisciplinary support, particularly in the risk of developing grief processing disorders. These considerations encourage us to implement our model of clinical and psychological support system and develop paths dedicated to caregivers in greater difficulty.