A preventive program for bereaved families.

The bereaved are a population at high risk for the development of subsequent emotional and physical illness. This paper describes a preventive program for families of cardiovascular surgery and oncology patients facing possible or inevitable death. The purpose of the program is prevention or redlction of the negative consequences of unresolved grief. The social worker's prior relationship with the family is used to provide advance preparation for possible or anticipated death, immediate intervention at the time a death occurs, preparation for the course of the normal grief reaction, and outpatient follow-up. The response of the bereaved has indicated that the service is effective in facilitating adjustment to the death of a family member, and the program has been adapted for other patient populations.