Effectiveness of Family-Focused End of Life and Bereavement Interventions Across Neonatal, Paediatric, and Adult Intensive Care: An Overview of Reviews.

In 30 seconds

This overview of reviews examined the effectiveness of family-focused end-of-life and bereavement interventions in neonatal, paediatric, and adult ICUs. The study found that communication-focused strategies improved family satisfaction and perceptions of care. However, the overall effectiveness of these interventions remains unclear due to inconsistent implementation and methodological variation across the included studies.

Key findings

• Communication-focused strategies improved family satisfaction and perceptions of care.
• Opportunities for family presence and shared decision-making were central to family adjustment.
• Memory making and bereavement follow-up were valued, though psychological outcomes varied.
• Evidence was limited by inconsistent outcome measures and few paediatric-specific reviews.

Why it matters

Understanding the impact of end-of-life and bereavement interventions is crucial for improving family support in ICUs. Enhanced communication and involvement can mitigate psychological distress for families during critical times.