Bereavement cultural guide: how to help and what to expect

Hospitalization can be one of the most stressful events in a person or family’s life. What becomes even more stressful is the event of death in the hospital. Families of all cultures, religions, and walks of life experience death in the hospital and often need support in order to cope with the event. Families grieve differently across these cultures and having medical staff understand their coping techniques may elevate their care experience. Certified Child Life Specialists with their education and training in child development and family centered care can provide emotional support and promote positive coping in grieving families. Whether Child Life is present or not, all members of the medical interdisciplinary team have an opportunity to provide comfort to grieving families, but may lack confidence in cultural sensitivity to do so. Education, resources, and tools will equip healthcare professionals with the psychosocial skills needed to provide end-of-life care to their patients and families.