The current status of bereavement follow-up in Japanese emergency departments: A cross-sectional nationwide survey

The aim of this study was to investigate the current status of bereavement follow-up in Japanese emergency departments. This study employed a cross-sectional design and conducted a nationwide survey of all emergency departments in Japan. Self-reported questionnaires were sent to the nurse leaders of each emergency department. Of 289 nurse leaders approached, 145 (50.2%) responded. Only 17.9% emergency departments provided bereavement follow-up strategies, and the most frequent strategy was referral to a specialist for psychological treatment. Most nurse leaders perceived that bereavement follow-up is necessary, and the greatest need of the bereaved as perceived by the nurse leaders was explanation of the patient's death. However, 60% of the nurse leaders perceived bereavement follow-up to be necessary but difficult, and the major challenges in bereavement follow-up were lack of time, knowledge, and skill. In contemporary Japan, the prevalence of bereavement follow-up strategies offered by emergency departments was low, and although most nurse leaders perceived follow-up as necessary, it could not be provided because of limitations in human resources and staff training.