Encountering patients in grief due to the death of a loved one: nurses’ experiences in municipal home care – a qualitative study

Background: Registered nurses (RNs) in municipal home care (MHC) encounter patients with illnesses and/or disabilities. When these patients suffer a stressful event, such as the loss of a loved one, there is an increased risk of suffering further ill health. It is unclear whether RNs are aware of patients’ grief and how to support and promote their well-being and health. Aims: The aim was to explore RNs’ experiences of paying attention to and encountering patients receiving MHC, who are grieving due to the death of a loved one. Methods: This is an exploratory qualitative study with focus groups ( n = 2) and individual interviews ( n = 13) with RNs ( n = 22) in MHC. The data were analysed inductively through reflexive thematic analysis. Results: The results show three themes: Becoming aware that the patient’s health is declining, Feeling responsibility for listening to memories and experiences of loss and Dealing with one’s own emotions , with six corresponding sub-themes. Conclusion: RNs encountered emotional patients in grief, while they themselves felt inadequate and emotionally affected. Further training in grief and communication, along with organisational support that enables sufficient time with patients and interprofessional collaboration and reflection, is needed to enable holistic, person-centred care.