Abstract
Background: The way the death of a person is communicated can have a profound impact on the bereavement process. The words and expressions that are used to give the tragic news, the characteristics of who communicates it, the physical setting in which the notification is given, the means used (e.g., in person, via phone call, etc.) are just some of the factors that can influence the way survivors face one of the most difficult moments in their lives.Aim: To review the literature on the topic of death notification to verify the state of the art related to this important procedure.Methods: A systematic review was conducted with PRISMA criteria on English-written materials produced from 1966 to 2019.Results: Out of the initial 3,166 titles considered, 60 articles were extracted for this review. A content analysis has revealed four main areas of interest: (1) protocols and guidelines; (2) emotional reactions of recipients and notifiers; (3) professional figures involved in the notification process; and, (4) types of death.Discussion: The communication of death represents a complex and stressful experience not only for those who receive it but also for those who give it. Alongside the acquisition of a necessary technique and execution methods, the process should involve the selection of notifiers based on personality characteristics and communication styles.Conclusion: Indications for the need of better training and protocols sensitive to different circumstances emerge. Adequate preparation can positively influence the quality of communication and the effects it produces, both on recipients and notifiers. In vocational training, more space should be devoted to this demanding task.
Highlights
One of the crucial aspects related to the experience of death is the way in which an individual is informed of the loss of a loved one
The notifier should be well-informed about the details of the death, have enough time to support the survivors of the deceased, and be able to respond to the physical and emotional reactions exhibited by them (Wright, 1996)
The review of the literature and the content analysis underlined the complexity of the death notification process
Summary
One of the crucial aspects related to the experience of death is the way in which an individual is informed of the loss of a loved one. The words and expressions that are used to give the tragic news, the characteristics of who communicates it (doctor, policeman, nurse), the physical setting in which the notification is given (home, hospital, patrol car, offices of the police, etc.), the means used (in person, via phone calls, telegram, mail, or instant messaging) are just some of the factors that can influence the way survivors face one of the most difficult moments in their lives (Wheeler, 1994; Stewart, 1999). The words and expressions that are used to give the tragic news, the characteristics of who communicates it, the physical setting in which the notification is given, the means used (e.g., in person, via phone call, etc.) are just some of the factors that can influence the way survivors face one of the most difficult moments in their lives
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