In healthcare, conversations about grief and loss are not optional; they're inevitable. Yet despite their frequency and profound impact, many healthcare professionals receive limited training in linking grief theories with practical communication skills and resilience-building strategies. This gap has consequences that ripple through both patients' lives and the well-being of healthcare teams.
The Lasting Impact of How We Communicate
People remember how life-changing news was delivered, often for the rest of their lives. This includes both those receiving the news and the professionals delivering it. The way we communicate during moments of grief doesn't just affect the immediate situation; it shapes long-term relationships, trust, and healing trajectories (Hudson et al., 2015; Clayton et al., 2007).
Sensitive, compassionate communication helps people feel supported and understood. It's a vital part of the grieving process, helping individuals recognise the significance of their loss, reducing confusion, and building resilience, for both those bereaved and healthcare professionals. It can also strengthen trust within and between healthcare teams (Back et al., 2009).
Why Training Makes a Critical Difference
Training in bereavement communication can lead to meaningful changes in practice, validating and comforting patients and families rather than inadvertently causing harm through rushed conversations or false reassurance. Research demonstrates that structured communication training yields measurable benefits:
- Increased patient and family trust: Empathic communication increases understanding, satisfaction, and trust in the care team (Curtis & White, 2008)
- Reduced psychological harm: Poorly delivered information can increase distress, trauma reactions, or prolonged grief. Professional training reduces these risks (Wortmann & Boerner, 2011; Lobb et al., 2010)
- Enhanced clarity during overwhelming moments: People in acute grief may have reduced memory and comprehension. Trained clinicians deliver clear, paced communication that supports processing (Stroebe et al., 2017; Buckman, 1992)
- Improved cultural competence: Understanding culturally diverse expressions of mourning prevents misunderstandings and builds respectful care (Rosenblatt, 2008; IAHPC, 2018)
Protecting Healthcare Professionals Too
Grief affects our ability to process information, but it also affects those who witness it daily. Health professionals regularly encounter bereaved or soon-to-be-bereaved families, and these high-stakes encounters take an emotional toll (Peters et al., 2012).
Communication training doesn't just benefit patients; it also protects professionals' emotional well-being. Training reduces burnout, compassion fatigue, and moral distress by teaching emotional regulation and reflective practice (Mealer et al., 2014). Empathic, compassionate communication crosses cultural divides and empowers those in bereavement whilst building staff resilience and reducing burnout.
Building Stronger Teams Through Better Communication
Effective communication in grief situations extends beyond individual interactions. It enhances teamwork and workplace culture, reducing conflict, improving team cohesion, and supporting consistent messaging to grieving families (Shaw et al., 2016; O'Leary et al., 2010).
When healthcare teams are trained together in bereavement communication, they develop shared language, approaches, and understanding. This consistency creates safer environments for both patients and staff, reducing the isolation that healthcare professionals often feel when navigating difficult conversations.
Moving Forward
Communication at times of grief and grieving is unavoidable in healthcare. The question isn't whether these conversations will happen; it's whether healthcare professionals will be equipped to navigate them with skill, compassion, and confidence.
The evidence is clear: training that links grief theories with practical communication skills and resilience-building makes a measurable difference. It transforms how patients and families experience their darkest moments, protects the well-being of healthcare professionals, and strengthens the fabric of healthcare teams.
Transform Your Approach to Grief Communication
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new Loss, Grief and Bereavement Communication Course taking place on Friday 27th March 2026 : Face to Face (Full Day), developed by The Maguire Communication and Leadership Academy.
This new course is designed to support professionals in developing their confidence, empathy, and resilience to communicate effectively, sensitively, and compassionately when supporting people who are experiencing loss and bereavement.
- References
- Back, A. L., Arnold, R. M., & Tulsky, J. A., 2009. Mastering Communication with Seriously Ill Patients. Cambridge University Press.
- Buckman, R., 1992. How to Break Bad News: A Guide for Health Care Professionals. Johns Hopkins University Press.
- Clayton, J. M., Hancock, K. M., et al., 2007. Communication with patients and families about illness progression and end-of-life care. JAMA, 298(9), 1021-1032.
- Curtis, J. R., & White, D. B., 2008. Practical guidance for evidence-based ICU family conferencing. Chest, 134(4), 835-843.
- Hudson, P. L., et al., 2015. Grief, loss and bereavement in palliative care. BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care, 5(3), 242-248.
- International Association for Hospice and Palliative Care (IAHPC), 2018. Guidelines on culturally sensitive palliative care.
- Lobb, E. A., et al., 2010. Communication and support in bereavement care. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 13(9), 1109-1113.
- Mealer, M., et al., 2014. Resilience and burnout among healthcare workers. Chest, 145(3), 593-600.
- O'Leary, K. J., et al., 2010. Teamwork in healthcare and its effect on patient care. Journal of Hospital Medicine, 5(1), 1-8.
- Peters, L., et al., 2012. The impact of death and dying on nurses. International Journal of Palliative Nursing, 18(5), 235-241.
- Rosenblatt, P. C., 2008. Grief across cultures. Oxford Handbook of Psychology & Spirituality, Oxford University Press.
- Shaw, J., et al., 2016. Improving end-of-life communication through teamwork training. BMJ Quality & Safety, 25(5), 394-404.
- Stroebe, M., Schut, H., & Boerner, K., 2017. Coping with bereavement: Evidence and implications for healthcare professionals. American Psychologist, 72(6), 406-415.
- Wortmann, J. H., & Boerner, K., 2011. Delicate balance in breaking bad news: Professional training reduces risk of harm. Death Studies, 35(6), 524-548.