The nature of death, coping response and intensity of bereavement following death in the critical care environment.

Introduction: Bereavement, defined as the situation of having recently lost a significant other, is recognised as one of life's greatest stressors and may lead to decrements in health status, psychological morbidity and excess risk of mortality.

Aim: The aim of this study was firstly to describe the relationships between the nature of death and bereavement intensity following death in the adult critical care environment and secondly to examine the modifying effects of coping responses on intensity of bereavement reaction.

Method: Prospective evaluation of the impact of the nature of death and coping responses on bereavement intensity.

The complexities of recruiting bereaved family members into a research study in the critical care environment: a discussion paper.

Research on the effects of stressful events on human health and wellbeing has progressed in recent years. One such stress, bereavement, is considered one of life's greatest stresses, requiring significant readjustment. The Cardiovascular Risk in Bereavement study (CARBER) investigated in detail cardiovascular risk factors during the first weeks following the death of a partner or adult child in the critical care environment.

Effect of a patient-directed discharge letter on patient understanding of their hospitalisation.

Background/aim: Poor patient understanding of their diagnosis and treatment plan can adversely impact clinical outcome following hospital discharge. Discharge summaries are primarily written for the doctor rather than the patient. We determined patient understanding of the reasons for hospitalisation, in-hospital tests, treatments and post-discharge recommendations, and whether a brief patient-directed discharge letter (PADDLE) delivered during a brief discussion prior to discharge would improve understanding.