Using the Delphi Technique to Achieve Consensus on Bereavement Care in Palliative Care in Europe: An EAPC White Paper

Background: The WHO definition of palliative care includes bereavement support as integral to palliative care, yet a previous survey of bereavement support in palliative care in Europe has shown a range of service responses to loss. A rigorous approach to agreeing and implementing a palliative care bereavement framework was required.

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop consensus on best-practice recommendations for bereavement care principles, structures, processes and delivery based on current practice and evidence.

Design: In accordance with Guidance on Conducting and Reporting Delphi Studies, a consensus-building five-round Delphi technique was performed. A scoping review of research literature informed drafting of 54 statements by the EAPC Bereavement Task Force. Evaluation of the statements was performed by an expert panel using a 5-point Likert scale. ⩾80% agreement were defined as essential items and 75%-79% agreement were defined as desirable items. Items with a consensus rating <75% were revised during the process.

Setting/participants: The Delphi study was carried out by an expert panel among membership organisations of the European Association for Palliative Care.

Results: In total, 376 email requests to complete Delphi questionnaire were distributed with a response rate of 23% ( = 87) and a follow-up response-rate of 79% ( = 69). Of the initial 54 statements in six dimensions, 52 statements were endorsed with 26 essential statements and 26 desirable statements.

Conclusions: The six dimensions and 52 statements agreed through this Delphi study clarify a coherent direction for development of bereavement services in palliative care in Europe.