Abstract

The aim of this literature review was to describe the experience and needs of sudden bereaved family members who lost a loved one in a sudden and unexpected death. The aim   is furthermore to depict the experience of unexpected and sudden death from the nurse´s point of view. Method: The literature review study has been carried out with a descriptive design. The result of the study was based on 14 scientific articles with quantitative and qualitative approach. The articles were searched in the databases PubMed and Cinahl and through manual search.Results: A majority of close relatives that experience a sudden bereavement are dissatisfied with the way they have been encountered by the staff. They experienced a lack of recognition and that they were left with many unanswered questions about the situation. They required more information and a frank dialogue between the staff and the relatives. Also, it was of great importance to witness the deceased as soon as possible. Sudden and unexpected death is also considered as mentally demanding by the nurses and their wish is to obtain clearer guidelines for the situation. Conclusion: The nurse shall be a professional leader in nursing care. By encountering patients and bereaved family members with respect and empathy, the nurses can decrease suffering for bereaved family members.

Keywords: Grief, death, sudden, emergency service, spouses.