Background: Heart Failure is a life-limiting condition with a poor and uniquely unpredictable prognosis. The aim of this review is to present and synthesise the current evidence around bereaved caregivers' experiences of end of life care for people with Heart Failure.
Methods: A systematic review of the literature was conducted using four electronic databases (CINHAL, Medline, BND, PsycINFO). Data was analysed and presented using a narrative synthesis approach.
Results: Eight articles were included within this review. Themes included: Limited and inadequate communication around the condition (including prognosis, preparations for death and the aim of palliative care), the burden of caregiving, and the limited provision of services and formal support.
Conclusion: Bereaved caregivers experience unique and significant challenges when caring for someone dying from Heart Failure. However, further research is required to greater understand the experiences of bereaved caregivers of people with Heart Failure.
Keywords: caregivers; end of life care; heart failure; palliative care; terminal illness.