Introduction The practice of memory-making as a means of maintaining a connection with the deceased person is a long-standing tradition¹ and an acknowledged way of facilitating grief at the time of death and beyond.² In the context of acute healthcare, memory keepsakes are an integral part of personalised end-of-life and bereavement care,³ yet a relatively under investigated intervention.

Methods We carried out a qualitative exploratory study to describe and interpret bereaved family members’ experiences of a hospital-based supported viewing service comprising the offer of memory keepsakes. Data were collected via semi-structured, audio-recorded telephone interviews and subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis.⁴

Results Ten family members bereaved of an adult relative following a sudden or unexpected death from natural causes consented to join the study. Two subthemes: ‘Intimate and enduring’ and ‘Compassionate person-centred care’ contained poignant reflective accounts of the offer and acceptance of memory keepsakes around the time of death. The choice of keepsakes included a lock of hair, a handprint, a photograph, a keepsake box and/or a matching knitted heart. These were seemingly welcomed and cherished possessions of comfort and sentimental value to family members in their grief. Participants spoke of an enduring personal connection with their deceased relative through the giving or creating of a keepsake, reminiscent of positive attachment and continuing bonds in bereavement. Choice, equity and timing in the offer of keepsakes were identified issues of importance to the attainment of person-centred bereavement care that is meaningful for experiencing families.

Conclusions The findings from this single-site study suggest the offer of memory keepsakes is a helpful end-of-life and bereavement care intervention in adult acute care. Further research is recommended to evaluate the meaning and value of memory keepsakes for people bereaved in similar and alternative circumstances of death and contexts of care.

References

1. Büster J. ‘Problematic stuff’: death, memory and the interpretation of cached objects. Antiquity 2021;95:973–985. doi: https://doi.org/10.15184/aqy.2021.81.

2. Dillon P. Eight ways to preserve the memories of a loved one [online]. 2020. https://www.mariecurie.org.uk/talkabout/articles/preserving-family-memories/226429 [Accessed 07 October 2023].

3. Stewart-Lord A, Baillie L, Green L, et al. Implementation and perceived impact of the SWAN model of end-of-life and bereavement care: a realist evaluation. BMJ Open 2022;12:e066832. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-066832.

4. Smith J, Flowers P, Larkin M. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis: Theory, Method and Research (2nd Ed.). London: Sage Publications 2022.