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A key challenge for service providers and practitioners in the field of bereavement is to match clients’ varied needs with equally diverse approaches to care. In order to provide these appropriate and effective interventions, it is crucial to have a reliable means of assessing levels of vulnerability in bereaved clients. The Range of Response to Loss model (RRL) and Adult Attitude to Grief scale (AAG) have evolved as practice tools able to profile the variable nature of client grief by identifying the initially instinctive reactions to loss alongside more aware coping responses. This paper describes the theoretical concepts which underpin the AAG, and recent research which confirms the factor structure of the scale and its capacity to identify varied levels of vulnerability. The application of the AAG to practice as an assessment/ outcome tool and guide to intervention are set out and future developments such as potential inclusion in the CORE IMS discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Motor neurone disease is a terminal neurological illness with no known cure. It is often referred to as a 'family disease' with the ripples causing additional implications for children and young people. As such, little is known about how to best support young people (24 years old and under) (WHO, 2019)) when a family member dies from the disease. One potential solution is through use of a digital legacy whereby videos which document a person's life, memories and achievements are purposefully recorded by an adult during their illness. However, due to this being an emerging area of research, little is known about whether a digital legacy may support or hinder bereavement for young people affected by the disease. Aim: To investigate healthcare professionals, specialists and experts views, perceptions and experiences of using digital legacies with bereaved young people due to motor neurone disease. Design: A qualitative study underpinned by interpretative phenomenological analysis. Setting/participants: Twenty healthcare professionals, specialists and experts were recruited using a maximum purposive sampling method. Open-ended interviews were conducted in participants' place of work either over the telephone or by the lead researcher. Ethical approval was granted by a university ethics committee and Health Research Authority (HRA). Findings: Two key overarching themes were identified from the data: perceived benefit and value for bereaved young people using a digital legacy and challenges and barriers for bereaved young people using a digital legacy. Conclusion: A number of potential challenges and considerations were identified. However, the use of a digital legacy was perceived to be a feasible and valuable method of support for young people bereaved as a result of motor neurone disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including individuals dealing with bereavement and finding new meaning in life, couples’ responses to a stillbirth, and learning lessons from grief in students from health professions.