Aprendiendo de la experiencia del duelo en el contexto de la pandemia por COVID-19

Abstract

Introduction: This descriptive, cross-sectional study with a qualitative methodology aimed to gain insight into the experience of relatives of patients who died during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to detect those aspects that play a protective role against the emotional impact of losing a loved one. Material and methods: A semi-structured interview was carried out by phone to assess, from the perspective of family members, a number of variables associated with the end of life process and death (tasks related to the circumstances of death, protectors and risk factors of complicated grief, satisfaction with psychological support, and interest in receiving information about a Grief Support Service). Results: A content analysis of 126 interviews allowed us to approach the main factors that (1) complicated the experience – state of alarm and its restrictions, other losses and concomitant circumstances, and perceived violation of a dignified death; (2) eased the experience – family support, own resources, search for meaning, and consideration of the patient as a source of support; or (3) factors than either complicated or eased the experience, depending on whether they were present – presence and care, health care, and performance of rituals.