ree of the survey studies were conducted in Ireland. One of the studies described the implementation and evaluation of a national bereavement helpline that was implemented by Irish Hospice Foundation in response to the pandemic; another explored the experiences and perceptions of midwives providing perinatal bereavement care during COVID-19; and the third study examined bereavement care provision in the UK and Ireland with a sample of people working in hospice, community, and hospital settings only. Several authors highlighted that there is likely to be long-standing consequences due to the loss of human life during COVID-19. Other authors suggested that the impact may not be as extensive as originally anticipated. All authors agreed that there is a need for continued research on the topic and close monitoring of people who have been bereaved to identify those most at- risk of PGD, and to intervene early. A recurring theme was the need for more investment and funding for bereavement support services and psychotherapy interventions to address the grief outcomes. e pandemic created major challenges which, if left unaddressed may lead to significant physical and mental health morbidity and create a further burden on health and social care services. Several recommendations were made to address and improve the experience of healthcare workers. Authors proposed that governments and health authorities should support healthcare workers to reduce the adverse impact on their health and well-being. e need for supportive interventions at the organisational level was highlighted including support and resources to help staff cope with the emotional toll of working with the bereaved during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was recommended that training programmes should be implemented to enhance the coping skills of staff, and organisations should promote and provide opportunities for staff to debrief and process their emotions related to their work with the bereaved. Other self-care and grief management strategies identified included investment in grief support resources for staff; development of interventions to help healthcare workers prepare for loss and support them in their grief; and ensuring the continuity of spiritual and religious activities as well as social support for patients and their families.
2.2 Phase 2: Time to Reflect Survey
e second phase of this study presented the findings of a national survey administered by Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) to self-selecting adults (when individuals choose or opt in to participate in a research study) in Ireland from November 2021 to February 2022. e goal was to explore the perspectives and experiences of dying, death, and bereavement in Ireland during the pandemic.
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