Care after death: Bereaved family experiences of a nurse-led supported viewing service

Background: Viewing the deceased person is an integral part of hospital-based bereavement care and support. To date, research to guide this practice is scarce.
Aim: To describe and interpret the bereaved family experience of a nurse-led supported viewing service.
Methods: A qualitative exploratory design involving telephone interviews with 10 family members, bereaved of an adult relative. Data were subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.
Results: Thematic findings provided insights into the context of viewing, the reasons behind a decision to view, observations and reactions to viewing, the intimacy of the viewing experience, and the hallmarks of quality care.
Conclusion: The acute hospital, as a core provider of end-of-life care requires a workforce who are skilled to provide practical and relational care after death. Care in preparing and presenting the deceased person for viewing, the quality and ambience of the viewing facility and a compassionate, person-centred approach appeared central to a positive viewing experience. Consideration should be given to the supportive role of a specialist bereavement nurse and interprofessional team contributions to viewing practices and care.