Bereavement Follow-Up Timing Protocol — SCE Palliative Medicine MCQ

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ModerateBereavementBereavement Follow-Up Timing ProtocolSCE Palliative Medicine

A UK palliative care team is designing a bereavement follow‑up protocol. Which timing for initial bereavement contact is most appropriate, based on current UK best practice?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Send a brief condolence within about 4–5 weeks

Explanation lettering: E = shown as D · D = shown as E

Option E is correct. UK commissioning recommendations emphasise proactive early outreach: a follow‑up letter or call is typically made around 5 weeks post‑death to invite discussion and support, with a more structured assessment around 8 weeks to identify those at risk of complicated grief and plan further care. CUH routinely sends a follow‑up letter within 5 weeks ([cuh.nhs.uk](https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/our-services/bereavement-care-follow-up-service/?utm_source=openai)), and NHS commissioning guidance recommends follow‑up contact at approximately 8 weeks ([england.nhs.uk](https://www.england.nhs.uk/north/wp-content/uploads/sites/5/2018/06/A-Guide-to-Commissioning-Bereavement-Services-in-England-WEB.pdf?utm_source=openai)). Options A–D are inappropriate: anniversary‑only contact neglects the critical early window; deferring two years delays essential support; immediate formal assessment is insensitive during acute grief; and offering no follow‑up runs counter to NHS obligations for holistic bereavement care.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/palliative-care