1368 BEREAVEMENT IN THE TIME OF COVID-19: LEARNING FROM EXPERIENCES OF THE BEREAVED

Abstract Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in many people experiencing bereavement challenging circumstances. In April 2020 at a large London Trust, “Bereavement Welfare Hub” (BWH) was established to offer support and advice by telephone relatives carers of all adults who died as inpatients. Data from these calls been used examine learn experiences the bereaved this time. Methods BWH call records regarding 809 Trust March - May were collated analysed quantitatively. A random selection 149 examined using thematic analysis. Results between 2020. mean age death 76 (SD=14) 86% deaths occurred on medical wards (outside intensive care). Bereavement completed 663 (82%) cases. From analysis records, several themes that influenced experience identified. These included family community, communication contact with dying person, services ability carry out usual rituals associated dying. Conclusions Age is significant risk factor for majority have wards. Improving hospital care patients during or any time relevant geriatricians other healthcare professionals working older people. Our identifies factors which positively negatively first wave COVID-19. findings, recommendations made potential improve experience, particularly era.