What does this mean for libraries?
Library and knowledge services can support staff and members of the public by signposting to the various reports that informed this document. LKS staff could work with other LKS sectors to signpost to local and national support for bereaved families and carers.
Source: NHS England on behalf of the National Quality Board (NQB).
Date of publication: July 2018
Summary of driver:
The NHS is committed to creating a learning culture and using patient and public experience to drive improvements. The CQC’s report ‘Learning, Candour and Accountability’ concluded that the way trusts engage with families required significant improvement.
Personal insights and experiences have shaped the guidance and will benefit all those involved following a death. In particular, supporting staff and families after an unexpected, avoidable or traumatic death in NHS care. It has the potential to break down the ‘them and us’ culture that families and carers have experienced.
It is about improving communication and engagement with families and how the NHS learns from its mistakes. It consolidates existing guidance and provides a perspective from family members, who have experienced bereavement within the NHS.
It will help trusts and commissioners to identify where they can make improvements in how they engage with families and carers. It is also a source of information for families and carers so they know what to expect following the loss of their loved one while in a trust’s care.
This information should supplement organisations own information and resources for bereavement support for families and carers.
Guidance breakdown:
- Guiding principles
- Family involvement before a death
- Immediate actions following a death
- Case note reviews
- Information and participation in an investigation
- Access to independent advice, information and advocacy
- Family and carer participation in trust training
- Involving families in action planning an assurance processes
- Action if a family is dissatisfied with an investigation or their involvement