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Bereavement Interventions, End-of-Life Cancer Care, and Spousal Well-Being: A Systematic Review

  1. Lynn R. Gauthier1,2,
  2. Lucia Gagliese1,2,*

Article first published online: 20 MAR 2012

DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-2850.2012.01275.x

Issue

Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice

Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice

Volume 19, Issue 1, pages 72–92, March 2012

Additional Information

How to Cite

Gauthier, L. R. and Gagliese, L. (2012), Bereavement Interventions, End-of-Life Cancer Care, and Spousal Well-Being: A Systematic Review. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19: 72–92. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-2850.2012.01275.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Kinesiology and Health Science, York University

  2. 2

    Departments of Anesthesia and Psychosocial Oncology & Palliative Care, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute and Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network

*Address correspondence to Lucia Gagliese, Department of Anesthesia and Pain Management, Toronto General Hospital, 200 Elizabeth St., Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada. E-mail: lucia.gagliese@uhn.ca.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 20 MAR 2012
  2. Article first published online: 20 MAR 2012
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 31 DEC 2011
  4. Manuscript Received: 23 DEC 2011

Funded by

  • Canadian Breast Cancer Research Alliance
  • Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

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Keywords:

  • bereavement intervention;
  • cancer;
  • end-of-life patient care;
  • spouse caregiver

Recent comprehensive reviews have concluded that there is little evidence for the effectiveness of bereavement interventions. These reviews have not been limited to investigations of bereavement services for spouses of patients with cancer. This systematic review examined the evidence from 10 articles reporting on eight studies examining outcomes of bereavement interventions and adjustment to bereavement following specialized end-of-life patient care for spouses of patients with cancer. Patient end-of-life interventions may positively influence bereavement outcomes for spouses, but based on the available evidence, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions about the effectiveness of bereavement group interventions for spouses of patients with cancer. Methodologically rigorous studies with larger sample sizes are required to determine the effectiveness of these interventions.

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