Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Bereavement Risk Index
Kristjanson Linda J, Cousins Kerry, Smith Joanna, Lewin Gill
Evaluation of the Bereavement Risk Index (BRI): a community hospice care protocol
International Journal of Palliative Nursing 2005 v11 no12 p610-618
This reports on a study in an Australian hospice which examined the Parkes’ Bereavement Risk Index . This index comprises 8 items and was instigated in this hospice as a more precise outcome measure than simple observation of the bereaved person’s level of risk. Other instruments were also used to assess bereavement outcome for the purpose of this study.
172 bereaved family members were contacted to participate in the research. 150 individuals (87%) agreed to participate which examined the validity of the index.
Details of the bereavement risk index questionnaire is included in the article and the most interesting finding of the analysis is that 4 items were sufficient to assess risk of a complicated bereavement – a) clinging or pining behaviour, anger, self-reproach and a general opinion of how the well the bereaved person is likely to cope. The advantage is that the questionnaire is easier to complete than the longer version. The article also describes how the risk assessment is used to assist nurses to help bereaved people, in the absence of other available services.
Evaluation of the Bereavement Risk Index (BRI): a community hospice care protocol
International Journal of Palliative Nursing 2005 v11 no12 p610-618
This reports on a study in an Australian hospice which examined the Parkes’ Bereavement Risk Index . This index comprises 8 items and was instigated in this hospice as a more precise outcome measure than simple observation of the bereaved person’s level of risk. Other instruments were also used to assess bereavement outcome for the purpose of this study.
172 bereaved family members were contacted to participate in the research. 150 individuals (87%) agreed to participate which examined the validity of the index.
Details of the bereavement risk index questionnaire is included in the article and the most interesting finding of the analysis is that 4 items were sufficient to assess risk of a complicated bereavement – a) clinging or pining behaviour, anger, self-reproach and a general opinion of how the well the bereaved person is likely to cope. The advantage is that the questionnaire is easier to complete than the longer version. The article also describes how the risk assessment is used to assist nurses to help bereaved people, in the absence of other available services.
