Establishing a bereavement program: caring for bereaved families and staff in the emergency department.

The successful planning and implementation of a Bereavement Program in the Emergency Departments of two of Melbourne's major metropolitan teaching hospitals, Monash Medical Centre (MMC) and Dandenong Hospital (DH) was in response to staff dissatisfaction regarding their capacity to care for bereaved families and involved staff. Key influencing factors were identified and literature evidence was sought. A multidisciplinary team was brought together to form a Planning Group and guidelines were developed.