Understanding how a staff bereavement intervention may support healthcare staff and compassionate care
Project name: Understanding how a staff bereavement intervention may support healthcare staff and compassionate care
Project summary: I am developing a doctoral research proposal on a bereavement intervention: a reflective, supportive space for healthcare staff to talk about grief connected to their work.
The proposed research will explore how the intervention helps staff process ‘professional’ grief and how it may sustain compassionate practice.
Patients, carers and bereaved people have essential insight into what compassionate care looks and feels like, and whether supporting staff could make a meaningful difference to care. I would like public contributors to challenge and improve the proposal before submission for funding.
Role description: You would act as a public adviser, not as a research participant. In an informal conversation, I will explain the proposal and ask for your views on:
- what compassionate care looks and feels like during serious illness, dying and bereavement;
- what outcomes would be meaningful and realistic to examine;
- anything missing, unclear, potentially harmful or unlikely to work;
- how patients, carers and bereaved people should be involved if the project is funded.
There are no right answers- I am particularly interested in thoughtful challenge and different perspectives. You will not be asked to share details of a bereavement or healthcare experience that you would prefer to keep private.
Time requirement and location: One online conversation of up to 60 minutes using Microsoft Teams. A short plain-language project summary and discussion questions will be provided in advance. I hope to hold conversations between 21st – 25th September but do have some flexibility with dates.
Payment and expenses: will be in line with current National Institute for Health and Care Research guidance.
Who I am looking for: I welcome interest from adults who have one or more of the following experiences:
- receiving care for a serious or life-limiting illness;
- supporting or caring for someone (adult or child) receiving serious-illness, palliative or end-of-life care;
- bereavement following the death of someone who received healthcare; or
- membership of a community or organisation supporting people affected by serious illness, dying or bereavement.
I hope to hear from people with a range of backgrounds and experiences, including experiences of hospital, community, primary care or hospice services. Current or former healthcare staff are welcome if they are contributing from personal experience as a patient, carer or bereaved person. Please state which perspective you would bring; you do not need to provide sensitive personal details.
I plan to invite approximately three people for a one-to-one informal discussion. If more people express interest, I may select a small group whose experiences and perspectives are most relevant and varied. Selection will not be based on agreeing with the proposal. I may not be able to invite everyone, but I will reply to all expressions of interest.
What to send: Please send:
o your name and preferred way to be contacted;
o a few sentences about the experience or perspective you would bring;
o any initial thoughts about what healthcare staff need in order to provide compassionate palliative or end-of-life care;
o your availability during 21st – 25th September and preferred times (mornings, afternoons, evenings); and
o any communication, access or support needs you would like me to consider.
Deadline and contact details: Please express your interest by 5:00 pm on Thursday 17th September 2026.
Email: katie.price@kcl.ac.uk
I recognise that this topic is/may feel sensitive, and whilst I appreciate any insights, I do not want this to be at the expense of anybody’s well-being and safety. You may pause or end the conversation at any time, skip any question, or decide not to take part.
I will provide signposting at the end of our discussion but will not be able to provide any further support, so please consider your well-being before expressing your interest.
This is a one-off opportunity to shape a funding proposal. I will explain how your advice influenced the proposal and update you when the application has been submitted. If the project is funded, I may invite you to hear about further opportunities, but there is no expectation or commitment to continue.
Thank you for your time,
Kate