The social health domain of people bereaved by a drug-related death and associations with professional help: A cross-sectional study

Perceived social support and symptoms of prolonged grief after a drug-related death

Social network support can be important when adjusting to life after the death of a close family member or friend. However, research has yielded inconclusive results regarding the relationship between social support and complicated grief reactions. Persons bereaved after a drug-related death (DRD) are a group of people who are at high risk of developing bereavement complications. Based on a Norwegian study on DRD bereaved close family members and friends (n = 250), this study examines the association between perceived social support, societal stigma, own social withdrawal, and prolonged grief symptoms (PGS). Own social withdrawal predicts the most variance in PGS symptoms: 8%, perceived social support: 3%, and societal stigma: 1%. Together the three focal variables explain 17.5% of variations in PGS. Results from the study point to the importance of social network support, which could reduce bereavement complications after a DRD.

Drug-Death Related Bereavement and Social Support

The loss of a close one to drug-related death (DRD) has been characterized as a form of stigmatized bereavement, and research has shown that there is a high risk of bereavement complications. Social support can be a buffer against bereavement complications, but because of stigma, DRD bereaved persons access to social support can be challenged. Based on data from a Norwegian sample of DRD bereaved persons (N = 252) the present study examines (1) bereaved persons' perceived access to different aspects of social support, and (2) the association between bereaved persons' experiences of societal stigma, own withdrawal, self-blame, and their perceptions of social support. Results show (1) that bereaved persons' access to contact with persons in the same situation is particularly low compared to other support aspects, and (2) that perceived stigma (4%) and own withdrawal (5%) predict variations in drug-related death bereaved persons' perception of social support.

Innovation in Bereavement Care: Research Circles as a Framework for Translation of Research-Based Knowledge

This article aims to contribute to the research-practice gap in bereavement care by exploring Research Circles as a collaborative approach to implementation of research-based knowledge into bereavement care. Particularly the article discusses key dimensions for translating research concerning bereaved after drug-related deaths into practice-relevant knowledge, as a first step of implementation. This co-created knowledge translation took place in the first phase of a Research Circle including bereaved mothers, practitioners and researchers. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews with Research Circle participants and field notes. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results showed two key dimensions with the Research Circle approach influencing the translation process: (1) multiple and long-lasting arenas for translation: (2) multiple stakeholders and perspectives. Research Circles appear to be a promising framework for translating research-based knowledge in bereavement care, but there are some barriers to fully realizing the democratic ideal that underlines the Research Circle framework.

Barriers and facilitative factors in the provision of first-responder services to persons bereaved following a drug-related death: A qualitative study

Aim: To broaden our knowledge from the perspective of municipality first-responder services of what prevents and what facilitates the provision of professional assistance to the bereaved after a drug-related death during the acute phase. Method: A reflexive thematic analysis was applied in six focus group interviews with 27 first-responder personnel in Norway. Results: The acute phase presented a challenging and complex support situation. We identified two main barriers: failure to initiate services and difficulties meeting with bereaved persons who use drugs. Facilitative factors were associated with competence and proactive cooperation. We discuss the findings in light of associated stigma, disenfranchised grief and an ecological approach to public services. Conclusion: First-responder professionals must understand drug-related death as a potentially traumatising event and initiate the procedures set out in the national guidelines. To achieve this, first-responder health and welfare services must become more knowledgeable about drug-related loss and bereavement, acute grief reactions and the need for psychosocial follow-up.

"How Do Municipal Managers Describe Improving the Services Provided to Drug Death-Bereaved Persons?" a Qualitative Study

Bereavement following drug-related losses is potentially traumatizing and may cause adverse health outcomes. These bereaved experiences are unacknowledged and omitted in municipal health and welfare service delivery. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to six focus group interviews with 26 municipal managers. Knowledge about municipal managers' perspectives for improving psychosocial follow-up to drug-death-bereaved persons was perceived as vital for improving the quality of public services. The findings show how the services are perceived to be affected by macro-, meso, and micro-level processes. The participants suggested that service delivery should be based on an integrated organizational approach. Political, organizational, administrative, financial, and communicative processes are addressed and discussed in light of Osborne's theory of public service logic. The managers argue that a broad, contextual frame and infrastructure, enhancing managers' latitude of action regarding employees and facilitating collaborative service flexibility, would provide more sustainable, competent services.