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CS384
Memorial Service in the Adult Critical Care Setting
By: Diana Cuypers & Linda Delaporta; Brigham and Women's Hospital; Boston, MA
For further information, please contact: DCuypers@partners.org
Purpose: A large portion of MICU patients succumb to critical illness abruptly breaking bonds that are formed between staff, patients and their families. A memorial service was created to support families and create an opportunity for closure. For staff this is an arena to grieve for patients.
Description: While searching for evidence-based practice in palliative care to apply in our critical care setting we met with a chaplain who conducted memorial services for an outpatient palliative care practice in a tertiary hospital. After years of witnessing the passing of patients with family members at their bedside, we felt a memorial service would be a simple but powerful healing event for families and staff. In September 2006 we organized the first MICU Remembrance Service. We invited families of patients who died on our unit between July 2005 – 2006. The service was non-denominational with readings and music performed by staff. We involved family members by creating a “white rose ceremony” in which each family member would place a rose in a vase symbolizing their loved one. At this time they had an opportunity to share a memory. Afterwards a reception was held in a separate area to encourage conversations between families and staff.
Evaluation and Outcomes: The memorial service proved to be a powerful experience on many fronts. What was discovered is that closure outside the ‘crisis’ state is important for families. Having a final moment with those that were there ‘at the end’ to reflect on the person lost and thank those that provided the sacred space necessary to say goodbye was moving for all. Data was collected through surveys mailed to families. 270 people have attended 3 services.
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