Key points

Organisations and team leaders have a role to play in establishing a dedicated space and time for enhancing team spirit and collective grief management through the adoption of rituals. Here are some initiatives that healthcare teams can implement with the support of their managers:

• Create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their emotions, concerns, and experiences with their colleagues. Facilitate regular meetings where team members can discuss difficult cases and find solutions together.
• Implement peer support groups where team members can gather to discuss their experiences, share advice, and support each other. Establish mentorship or sponsorship programs where new staff members can benefit from the support and guidance of more experienced members.
• Organize ceremonies or regular moments of remembrance to honor the memory of deceased patients and allow team members to grieve together. Provide team members with access to professional resources such as mental health counselors or psychological support services to help them cope with grief and emotional stress.
• Incorporate gratitude practices into the team's daily routines, such as taking the time to share positive memories of deceased patients or thanking colleagues for their support.
• Arrange social events and team-building activities to strengthen bonds among team members and foster a sense of belonging. These activities may include shared lunches, team outings, or group games.
• Recognise and value the work of team members by providing positive feedback and thanking them for their efforts. Implement recognition programs and rewards to celebrate individual and collective achievements.

By implementing these initiatives, healthcare teams can create a work environment that promotes mutual support, open communication, and resilience in the face of the emotional challenges associated with patient deaths.

Summary

For healthcare professionals managing the experience of encountering patient suffering and death, here are some key points that can help them strengthen their teamwork and create a supportive environment:

• Encouraging collaboration among healthcare professionals from different disciplines to ensure comprehensive care for end-of-life patients and their families.
• Fostering a supportive environment where team members can lean on each other for emotional support and share the burden of grief.
• Valuing the expertise and contributions of each team member, regardless of their role, and treating all with dignity and respect.
• Maintaining open and effective communication channels within the team to facilitate coordination of care and address any challenges or concerns.
• Recognizing the multi-dimensional needs of patients and families at the end of life and ensuring that care addresses physical, emotional, spiritual, and psychological aspects.
• Establishing meaningful rituals within the healthcare setting to acknowledge and honor the lives of deceased patients, provide closure for team members, and support grieving processes.
• Encouraging regular opportunities for team reflection and debriefing to process emotions, share experiences, and learn from each other.
• Building individual and team resilience through education, training, and access to support resources to cope with the emotional toll of cumulative death and grief.
• Promoting self-care practices among team members to prevent burnout and maintain their well-being while caring for others in difficult circumstances.