UCC Nursing & Midwifery Scholarly Impact Report 2022

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CATHERINE MCAULEY SCHOOL OF NURSING AND MIDWIFERY, UCC

HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE, ENGAGEMENT AND REFORM

The Economic Impacts of Bereavement in Ireland The Irish Hospice Foundation, supported by a grant from the Department of Social Protection, commissioned two studies to examine the economics of bereavement in Ireland. A qualitative study was undertaken by the UCC research teamwhich undertook interviews and focus groups with bereaved individuals and professionals who support people who have been bereaved and may be economically impacted by bereavement. The study explored the impact of bereavement on home life in Ireland, including the impact on employment, health and the overall financialburden.Thereporthighlightedthatthelong-termfinancial impact of bereavement at a societal level permeates down and there needs to be a recognition of the need to invest in services and supports for the bereaved. The report was launched on the 5 th of December 2022 and the findings of the report identify that grief and bereavement have a significant impact in the workplace and bereaved workers need effective supports when returning to the workforce. Lead and Team Members: Co-Leads: Dr Caroline Dalton O’Connor, School of Nursing and Midwifery and Dr Aileen Murphy, Department of Economics at Cork University Business Team members: Dr Nicola Cornally, Dr Serena Fitzgerald, Dr Irene Hartigan, Dr Daniel Nuzum, Dr Edel Walsh and Jenny McDonnell (RA)

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Dr Caroline Dalton

Highlights: • The economic impact of bereavement permeates down from a societal level, impacting on the home life, employment prospects and overall health of those who have been bereaved. • Grief and bereavement have a significant impact in the workplace and bereaved workers need effective supports when returning to the workforce.