biostudies-literatureDennis BMcMaster University Paul O&apos;Byrne Department of Medicine Research GrantServices Incorporated of Ontarioe058768https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8771806biostudies-literatureUnknown12(1)<h4>Background</h4>Pandemic-related restrictions are expected to continue to shape end-of-life care and impact the experiences of dying hospitalised patients and their families.<h4>Objective</h4>To understand families' experiences of loss and bereavement during and after the death of their loved one amidst the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.<h4>Design</h4>Qualitative descriptive study.<h4>Setting</h4>Three acute care units in a Canadian tertiary care hospital.<h4>Participants</h4>Family members of 28 hospitalised patients who died from March-July 2020.<h4>Main outcome measures</h4>Qualitative semistructured interviews conducted 6-16 months after patient death inquired about family experiences before and beyond the death of their loved one and garnered suggestions to improve end-of-life carBMJ openSacrifice and solidarity: a qualitative study of family experiences of death and bereavement in critical care settings during the pandemic.PMC8771806No grant number.R21-16Swinton MBrandt Vegas DToledo FVanstone MBoyle ACook DJFiest KSoth MClarke FJDionne JCDennis BHuynh JCheung ANeville THHoad NfalseSacrifice and solidarity: a qualitative study of family experiences of death and bereavement in critical care settings during the pandemic.<h4>Background</h4>Pandemic-related restrictions are expected to continue to shape end-of-life care and impact the experiences of dying hospitalised patients and their families.<h4>Objective</h4>To understand families' experiences of loss and bereavement during and after the death of their loved one amidst the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic.<h4>Design</h4>Qualitative descriptive study.<h4>Setting</h4>Three acute care units in a Canadian tertiary care hospital.<h4>Participants</h4>Family members of 28 hospitalised patients who died from March-July 2020.<h4>Main outcome measures</h4>Qualitative semistructured interviews conducted 6-16 months after patient death inquired about family experiences before and beyond the death of their loved one and garnered suggestions to improve end-of-life car2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Jan2026-05-09T12:55:48.758Z2022-02-11T16:20:16.589ZS-EPMC87718063504601010.1136/bmjopen-2021-058768