A new animated video launched by End-of-Life Essentials (EOLE) and led by Flinders University is helping health professionals develop the confidence and skills needed to support grieving families and friends following the death of a loved one in hospital.
The video, titled "Responding to Grief and Bereavement", draws on real family experiences and demonstrates practical, compassionate approaches to bereavement care.
It forms part of a new Bereavement education module aimed at improving end-of-life care in hospital settings across Australia.
"More than half of all Australians die in acute care settings, often from chronic and complex conditions," says Associate Professor Kim Devery, a researcher in end-of-life and palliative care at Flinders University and Project Lead at EOLE.
"While health professionals are trained to respond quickly in emergencies, providing care after death involves a different set of skills; it's about empathy, presence, and truly listening."
The video shares simple yet powerful moments, such as a nurse quietly checking in with a bereaved family, and a doctor taking the time to gently prepare a caregiver for what lies ahead. These moments can leave a lasting impact on people navigating the early stages of grief.
Developed in consultation with bereavement care experts and a family caregiver who generously shared his own experience, the animation supports the broader goal of the EOLE project, to strengthen end-of-life care through free, evidence-based and accessible education for all health professionals.
End-of-Life Essentials is a National Palliative Care Project, funded by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing and delivered by Flinders University. The project provides practical education and resources to support clinicians working in hospitals.
Watch the video below and explore the bereavement care module and more at www.endoflifeessentials.com.au.
