Weekend gatherings for bereaved family members after the terror killings in Norway in 2011

What elements of a systems’ approach to bereavement are most effective in times of mass bereavement? A narrative systematic review with lessons for COVID-19

“…Most of the interventions and programmes involved national or state-level coordination of support by multiple statutory and voluntary organisations, commonly in community settings. 15,21,25 Across all programmes, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists and social workers delivered the support; in the Project Liberty and Ersta programmes, community and faith-based agencies and workers were also involved. 15,25 Programmes typically offered a mix of individual and group-based counselling and support sessions.…”

“…14,15,[22][23][24][25] Screening and identification of individuals requiring more intensive, specialist support was a common feature across the services. 14,17,[21][22][23][24] In the Norwegian response to the 2011 terror attacks and Project Liberty counselling services, individuals identified as high risk were referred to local mental health services. 17,21 In Project Liberty, bereaved individuals receiving counselling from July 2003 onwards were screened for complicated grief symptoms and, if indicated, provided with enhanced therapy services by specially trained, licenced mental health professionals.…”

“…14,17,[21][22][23][24] In the Norwegian response to the 2011 terror attacks and Project Liberty counselling services, individuals identified as high risk were referred to local mental health services. 17,21 In Project Liberty, bereaved individuals receiving counselling from July 2003 onwards were screened for complicated grief symptoms and, if indicated, provided with enhanced therapy services by specially trained, licenced mental health professionals. Sixteen months following Hurricane Katrina, the InCourage programme advertised free treatment for local people experiencing 'stress or anxiety' as a result of Hurricane Katrina.…”

“…14 With the exception of the CBT interventions, which were introduced 16 months 24 and 21 months post disaster, 14 most interventions were initiated in the immediate aftermath, with support providers continuing to offer support for between 12 and 32 months after the event. 16,21,23,25…”

“…The reduction in distress was maintained at 5 months posttreatment and the treatment worked equally for participants with severe and moderate levels of stress. 24 In the remaining studies, participant views were mostly collected through retrospective feedback questionnaires 19,[21][22][23] and reflective group discussion. 22,25 Satisfaction with the different services was generally high.…”