Families of the deceased in the hospital: A multi-disciplinary approach to intervention

An intervention program for families whose loved ones have died during hospitalization is presented. Collaboration and cooperation among all members of the professional team-doctor, nurse, and medical social worker-provide a systematic primary prevention approach for the surviving family members and helps prevent pathological grief. A model for such multi-disciplinary care-giving has been operating effectively for a number of years within the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Carmel Hospital, Haifa, Israel. Emotional and practical assistance, as well as referrals to community resources, is provided by the team from its first admission meeting with the families of patients. Cases are presented to illustrate the main points of the program.