Table 4 Recommendations for core components of an ICU guideline on aftercare for bereaved relatives

• We suggest that aftercare should minimally include asking how the bereaved relative is doing in the weeks or months after the death, and a more elaborate follow-up conversation;

• In the follow-up conversation discuss both the medical details of the ICU admission and the mental well-being of the bereaved relatives;

• ICU healthcare professionals provide the aftercare, and the follow-up conversation is preferably led by the physician who was most involved in the care during the ICU admission;

• Consider collaboration with GPs and primary care in the provision of aftercare, e.g. a leading role in the emotional and bereavement support;

• Give all relatives the opportunity to receive aftercare. Make no selection of relatives who are eligible. Relatives themselves can decide whether they want it or not;

• We suggest that aftercare is offered at multiple times. An ICU healthcare professional explains the aftercare possibilities shortly after the patient’s death. This should be repeated at a later time, e.g. 4-6 weeks later, as relatives may not be able to process this information properly at this stressful time and their needs may change over time.