"One Size Doesn't Fit All" - , an Individualized Approach to Bereavement Intervention

Overview

Journal Omega (Westport)

Publisher Sage Publications

Specialty Medical Ethics

Date 2016 May 4

PMID 27141124

Citations 3

Authors

Michael S Caserta

Dale A Lund

Rebecca L Utz

Jennifer Lyn Tabler

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

We concluded in a recent study that a "one size fits all" approach typical of group interventions often does not adequately accommodate the range of situations, life experiences, and current needs of participants. We describe how this limitation informed the design and implementation of an individually-delivered intervention format more specifically tailored to the unique needs of each bereaved person. The intervention comprises one of three interrelated studies within (PHC), which examines the trajectory from end-of-life care through bereavement among cancer caregivers using hospice. The PHC intervention employs an initial needs assessment in order to tailor the session content, delivery, and sequencing to the most pressing, yet highly diverse needs of the bereaved spouses/partners. Although an individually-delivered format has its own challenges, these can be effectively addressed through standardized interventionist training, regular communication among staff, as well as a flexible approach toward participants' preferences and circumstances.

Citing Articles

Clarifying the Concepts of Personalization and Tailoring of eHealth Technologies: Multimethod Qualitative Study.

Ten Klooster I, Kip H, Beyer S, van Gemert-Pijnen L, Kelders S J Med Internet Res. 2024; 26:e50497.

PMID: 39536317 PMC: 11602766. DOI: 10.2196/50497.

Cancer Caregivers' Preparedness for Loss and Bereavement Outcomes: Do Preloss Caregiver Attributes Matter?.

Caserta M, Utz R, Lund D, Supiano K, Donaldson G Omega (Westport). 2017; 80(2):224-244.

PMID: 28886674 PMC: 5658262. DOI: 10.1177/0030222817729610.

Missed Opportunity: Hospice Care and the Family.

Tabler J, Utz R, Ellington L, Reblin M, Caserta M, Clayton M J Soc Work End Life Palliat Care. 2015; 11(3-4):224-43.

PMID: 26654059 PMC: 4741375. DOI: 10.1080/15524256.2015.1108896.

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