Challenges in evaluating adult bereavement services

Abstract

Evaluating the effectiveness of bereavement interventions presents major theoretical, ethical and practical challenges. Based on the extensive research experience of the authors, this article outlines some of the key considerations that must be addressed when seeking to demonstrate the effectiveness of an intervention. These include what methods to use, the recruitment of participants, what to measure to demonstrate effectiveness, adapting measures to reflect cultural and other diversities, and how to deal with variables likely to influence the delivery and outcomes of the intervention.