Abstract

Background: Although much has been written about the treatment of bereaved relatives in emergency departments, very little has been published about their follow-up after they have left the department.

Methods: One model of follow-up is described, in which relatives are invited to a meeting in the department 4–6 weeks after their loss. In this model, it is emphasised that the follow-up is not a counselling session but an opportunity to ask questions, and an audit of the service is presented.

Results and conclusion: It is suggested that the provision of information is theoretically beneficial to the bereavement process.