Memory making in end-of-life care in the adult intensive care unit

Abstract

Introduction: Family members of patients who die in the intensive care unit (ICU) are at increased risk of prolonged psychological stress during bereavement. One potential end-of-life intervention is the activity of memory making, which intends to assist creating continued connections with and provide meaningful memories about the deceased by providing an object or memento such as a handprint or lock of hair for use during bereavement. Although rarely offered in the adult ICU, memory making seems well received and is utilised during bereavement.