“I couldn´t say goodbye”: Thematic analysis of interviews with bereaved relatives who lost their loved ones during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

Abstract Background Delivering serious news is usually challenging for healthcare professionals and the pandemic of COVID-19 and related restrictions brought additional challenges in this process. This study aimed to explore the experience of bereaved relatives with receiving serious news from healthcare providers during the pandemic COVID-19. Methods This was a qualitative study using deductive thematic analysis of data collected in semi-structured interviews with bereaved relatives. Data were collected from July to August 2022 in person/via phone with bereaved relatives who lost their relatives during the pandemic (from March 2020 to March 2022). Participants were recruited using a convenience sample and snowball method through social media and through one university hospital palliative care unit that invited bereaved relatives of deceased patients treated at the unit to participate in this study. Results A total of 22 participants, consisting of 4 men and 18 women, were interviewed for this study. Most of the participants were sons or daughters of individuals who had passed away (5 grandchildren, 14 sons/daughters, 2 spouses, 1 great-niece). Six themes were identified: Tendency to express understanding for difficult conditions of care, Reduced contact with loved ones, Fear of COVID-19, Lack of empathetic communication with staff, Need for emotional support, Need for detailed and honest communication. Conclusions Overcoming the challenging circumstances of delivering serious news during a pandemic can be achieved by implementing frequent communication using various communication tools, maintaining empathy and honesty in the communication process, and providing detailed information to relatives despite visiting restrictions.