ResumenObjetivo: Conocer en profundidad el fenómeno del duelo complicado o patológico, y recabar aquellos indicadores de detección y evaluación que nos permitan su pronta identificación en la práctica clínica.Método: Tras una amplia revisión de la literatura científica aparecida en los últimos años, y a la luz de nuestra experiencia profesional, se realizó una recopilación de los indicadores más significativos.Resultados: Presentamos los principales criterios diagnósticos e instrumentos de medida utilizados en la actualidad, que permiten a los profesionales del ámbito de la salud valorar con precisión posibles complicaciones en el proceso de duelo.Conclusiones: Contamos con importantes indicadores e instrumentos de valoración del duelo complicado, siendo cada vez mayor el reconocimiento de este diagnóstico clínico como una entidad propia, por parte de la comunidad científica. Resulta fundamental el desarrollo de la investigación en duelo complicado con miras a optimizar las posibilidades de apoyo emocional.Palabras clave: El final de la vida, duelo complicado, indicadores de detección, factores protectores, factores de riesgo, criterios diagnósticos, instrumentos de medida. Abstract Aim: A thorough study of the complicated or pathological grief phenomenon and a recapitulation of those detection and assessment indicators enabling a speedy identification in the clinical practice.Method: A compilation of the most significant indicators was carried out after a large research on the scientific literature appeared latterly and the results derived from our professional experience.Results: A presentation of the major diagnosis criteria and tools used at present, which allow professionals of the field of health to a more precise valuation of possible complications happening during the grief process.Conclusions: We rely on important indicators and grief assessment tools since the recognition of such clinical diagnosis is gaining in importance, thus becoming a matter of significance within the scientific community. Consequently, a development in the investigation of the complicated grief aimed at optimizing the possibilities of the emotional support should be considered a must.

Our study provided evidence for the efficacy of dignity therapy and counseling in improving the well-being of palliative home care patients, and it found better results in the counseling therapy group with respect to depression, resilience, and anxiety.

An improvement in the communication process contributes to a decrease in the levels of anxiety, and consequently to enhancement of the well-being of these patients.

The new questionnaire, based on empirical research and bedside experience, showed good psychometric properties and clinical applicability.

Vulnerability of parents enrolled in an EDP did not increase after hospital discharge. Physical well-being of the baby was the most important issue for both groups. EDP parents requested less paediatric support and scored higher in the Well-being verbatim.