The National Archive of Grief Support Studies
The National Archive of Grief Support Studies(NAGSS) database provides bibliographical information and summaries of recent articles selected for their relevance to grief and bereavement service providers. The articles that are summarized are selected from scholarly, peer-reviewed journals and are intended to highlight key concepts as well as provide a brief statement of implications for service providers. Bibliographical information may be used to obtain the original article.
Identifying and Responding to Ethical and Methodological Issues in After-Death Interviews with Next-of Kin
Authors:
Williams, B. R.
Woodby, L. L.
Bailey, F. A.
Burgio, K. L.
Source:
Death Studies: 2008. Volume 32, pp. 197-236.
Summary
This article discusses ethical and methodological issues that arose in a pilot study involving face-to-face interviews with bereaved next-of-kin. The study was done as part of a research project with the Veterans Affairs Health Services. The authors discuss issues related to recruitment and informed consent, noting that relying entirely on volunteer participants may not capture the full spectrum of target population experiences. The authors also discuss issues related to timing of research with the bereaved, and state that there are no generally accepted guidelines regarding optimal time frames for research. The authors also note that there should be clear justification for inquiries made of the bereaved, and that participant distress should be carefully monitored and attended to, with use of verbal consent to proceed when distress occurs.
Key words: ethic, interview, research
Service Provider Implications
This article provides information useful to those who conduct research with the bereaved by discussing the ethical and methodological issues that need to be considered when designing or conducting research studies.
