Bereavement Professional

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

​We mail an annual bereavement survey at 13 months post death. Our return rate is very low - single digits.  We are exploring new ideas.  As is, the survey results bring little value.  We are curious what process do you use to get a higher return rate?  Does anyone survey earlier than at a year? Do you have volunteers conduct the surveys via phone instead of mailing?  Thanks in advance.

​At one time I worked for a hospice that attempted some comparative surveys that looked at initial grief vs grief after receiving support after 13 mo.  It was extremely rare that bereaved would complete both so that comparison could happen. 

In addition, in each hospice I have worked for we have utilized the FEBS, now the EGSS, and we typically receive between 10-20% return rate. I believe this is a common rate for surveys overall, anywhere you go.  We attempt to verbally announce to those we have contact with, that a survey is coming, and that we appreciate their feedback in advance as it is helpful to us to enhance and grow our practice/program. But otherwise have made no other intentional effort.

I'm interested to hear about other programs' experiences...

Thank you for asking!

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Joelle Osterhaus, MSW, LCSW, LICSW, ACHP-SW

Hospice, Palliative Care and Continuing Care Psychosocial Services Manager
Kaiser Permanente Northwest
Continuing Care Services

2701 NW Vaughn St., Ste. 140
Portland, OR 97210-5344
Main Office Reception: (503) 499-5200
Cell Phone: (503) 312-0819
Clinical Fax: (503) 499-5535


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Original Message:
Sent: 11-28-2018 12:57
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Bereavement surveys

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

​We mail an annual bereavement survey at 13 months post death. Our return rate is very low - single digits.  We are exploring new ideas.  As is, the survey results bring little value.  We are curious what process do you use to get a higher return rate?  Does anyone survey earlier than at a year? Do you have volunteers conduct the surveys via phone instead of mailing?  Thanks in advance.

Our response rate for FEBS/EGGS has never been more than 20% . We follow the guidelines and send it out at the end of 13 months. However when you look at National Survey response results it usually is around that percentage. Also, Even though it clearly states Bereavement in the survey a lot of the responses and comments have to do with the services received before the patient died. I also have been contacted by people who are simply “surveyed out” in our society getting surveys for everything and they tossed it.

Sent from my iPhone


Original Message------

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

​We mail an annual bereavement survey at 13 months post death. Our return rate is very low - single digits.  We are exploring new ideas.  As is, the survey results bring little value.  We are curious what process do you use to get a higher return rate?  Does anyone survey earlier than at a year? Do you have volunteers conduct the surveys via phone instead of mailing?  Thanks in advance.

​Hi -
In addition to using the EGSS, we send a short survey at six months.  Returns are very low for the six month survey, but it gives us the opportunity to connect with someone who really wants our help but hasn't returned our phone calls.  We have made some  changes to our program based on the FEBS and now EGSS survey results. They also serve as a quality measure which surveyors love.  I am aware of smaller hospices having volunteers do surveys earlier in the year post death.  If you do this, I would suggest a very specific training for the volunteers. 
Good luck to you,
Diane

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Diane Snyder Cowan, CHPCA,MA,MT-BC
Director of Western Reserve Grief Services
Hospice of the Western Reserve, Inc
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Original Message:
Sent: 11-28-2018 12:57
From: Anonymous Member
Subject: Bereavement surveys

This message was posted by a user wishing to remain anonymous

​We mail an annual bereavement survey at 13 months post death. Our return rate is very low - single digits.  We are exploring new ideas.  As is, the survey results bring little value.  We are curious what process do you use to get a higher return rate?  Does anyone survey earlier than at a year? Do you have volunteers conduct the surveys via phone instead of mailing?  Thanks in advance.