Experiences of Grief and Nursing Support for Family Caregivers after a Death in a Neurosurgery Unit: A Retrospective Psychosocial and Cultural Analysis at Yaoundé Central Hospital

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate on the mourning process of family caregivers after the death of a patient in the neurosurgery ward of Yaoundé Central Hospital, especially the effects of psychosocial and cultural factors, the support of nurses in dealing with death, and the overall caregiver experience. Methodology: A qualitative, retrospective design was used. Family caregivers of the deceased patients in the neurosurgery unit were purposefully included, and data were gathered through in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted post-mourning period. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed word-for-word, and analyzed by themes. Findings: The results showed that caregivers went through very strong emotional distress consisting of shock, sadness, helplessness, and skepticism regarding their faith. Death was perceived as a community and spiritual affair; consequently, the cultural and spiritual beliefs were the key factors that shaped the grief experiences. The participants pointed out that there was a shift in family roles and that they were going through both emotional and financial hardships. A few caregivers were thankful to the nurse for the support, but the majority of them viewed nursing support as inadequate and brought up poor communication and lack of cultural sensitivity in mourning care as reasons for that. Unique contribution to theory, practice, and policy: This study contributes to theory by incorporating the African hospital context into psychosocial and cultural models of mourning. The nursing practice is informed by the study through the suggestion of a structured, culturally responsive support for mourning in neurosurgical units. The policy implications are that the findings stress the need for the inclusion of bereavement care guidelines and training in hospital protocols to improve the care centered around families after the death of a patient.