P49: The effect of old age on the experience of those who received an unexpected and violent death notification: A qualitative study

Abstract

Background:

How an individual is informed of the traumatic loss of a loved one can influence the grieving process and quality of life for survivors. Objective: this qualitative survey aimed to explore how age influences the experience and feelings of those who have received communication of this type of death from a professional figure.

Method:

30 people recruited through the use of social networks and word of mouth participated in the study. The participants were divided into three groups according to the age variable (1 group: 10 participants up to 35 years old; 2 group: 10 participants aged between 45 and 55 years; 3 group: 10 participants aged 60 and over) who have received notification of the death of a loved one from police officers or health care professionals. The data was collected through an ad hoc questionnaire, completed online. The thematic analysis technique used Atlas.ti software 8.

Results:

the following four key themes were identified: (a) how the communication took place; (b) reactions; (c) support; and (d) coping strategies.

Conclusions:

it is possible that advanced age confers greater resilience and coping strategies through life experiences to mitigate the stressful impact of communicating an unexpected and violent death.