A Systematic Review of International Bereavement Models of Care and Implementation Barriers and Facilitators.

In 30 seconds

This systematic review examined international models of bereavement care and factors affecting their implementation. A search of MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and PsycINFO identified 64 studies. Common approaches included bereavement packs, memory-making activities, condolence cards, memorial services and follow-up contact. Formal assessment for complex grief was included in 14 models, while 17 studies considered culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Reported implementation barriers included limited institutional or financial support, staff discomfort, lack of dedicated staff and information-management difficulties; facilitators included funding, protocols, dedicated staffing and staff training and support.

Key findings

• Across 64 included studies, common bereavement supports included packs, memory-making activities, condolence cards, memorial services and follow-up contact.
• Only 14 models included formal assessment of complex grief.
• Seventeen studies considered culturally and linguistically diverse populations.
• Implementation barriers included inadequate support, staff discomfort, insufficient dedicated staffing and information-management difficulties; facilitators included funding, protocols, staffing and training.

Why it matters

The review shows that bereavement care is delivered through varied approaches, while formal assessment of complex grief and attention to culturally and linguistically diverse populations were not consistently represented. Identifying practical barriers and enabling conditions can inform service planning and implementation, while the review also highlights gaps in evidence beyond palliative care and in reporting implementation strategies.

What to keep in mind

The abstract does not report comparative effectiveness of the care models; it describes models and implementation factors across the included studies.