Providers' beliefs about expressing condolences to the family of a deceased patient: a qualitative and quantitative analysis.

Background: Most providers do not receive training in expressing condolences to bereaved families, and most health care institutions do not have policies in place encouraging expression of condolences. Physicians may fail to meet the expectations of bereaved families.

Objective: Our aim was to describe providers' beliefs and practices regarding expressing condolences to families of patients who have died.