LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN A RESEARCH STUDY

STUDY #1: EXAMINING THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS ON BEREAVEMENT

This study aims to evaluate how the pandemic influences the trajectory of bereavement, including the emergence of complicated bereavement, over time. Close family members who have experienced the death of a significant person since the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic are encouraged to participate. To do so, individuals must be: 1) 18 years of age or older 2) individuals whose family member died during the coronavirus pandemic, and 3) located within Canada.

What does this study involve? Participants will be asked to complete a few brief online surveys. After completion, they will be asked if they are interested in being enrolled in a related study (Study #2 below) where they will be interviewed by a member of our team. If so, they will be contacted for an interview. This interview study is described in more detail below (please see Study #2 below)

STUDY #2: IN DEPTH EXPLORATION ON GRIEF AND LOSS

This study aims to gather reflections from people who are bereft, tapping into how their experience of loss and grief, including their inability to visit dying loved ones and not participate in community rituals of mourning have been shaped by the pandemic. Close family members who have experienced the death of a significant person during the pandemic are encouraged to participate. To do so, individuals must be: 1) 18 years of age or older), 2) individuals whose family member died during the COVID-19 pandemic, and 3) located within Canada

What does this study involve? Participants will be interviewed (via phone or video-call) by a member of our team on how their experience of loss and grief has been.

STUDY #3: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF VIRTUAL FUNERALS ON BEREAVEMENT 

This study aims to evaluate how family members experience livestream funerals; and how this virtual alternative impacts their grieving process. Individuals who have attended a virtual 'live stream' funeral are encouraged to participate. To do so, individuals must be: 1) 18 years of age or older, and 2) individuals who have attended a virtual 'live stream' funeral.

What does this study involve? Participants will be asked to complete a few brief online surveys.

STUDY #4: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF VIRTUAL MEMORIALS ON BEREAVEMENT 

This study aims to offer the opportunity to create a virtual memorial and assess how this virtual alternative affects the grieving process. Individuals who have not been able to hold community rituals of mourning such as in person funerals or celebrations of life, and are feeling like they have not adequately honored or paid homage to the deceased are encouraged to participate. To participate, individuals must be: 1) 18 years of age or older, 2) individuals who have had a death of a close family member/friend during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, and 3) individuals willing to organize and create a virtual memorial.

This project is currently under construction. If you are interested in learning about what we have planned for it, feel free to contact our research team for more information.

STUDY #5: EVALUATING THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF FRONTLINE HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS WHO HAVE CARED FOR DYING PATIENTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

This study aims to explore the lived experiences of frontline healthcare providers who have cared for dying patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, and evaluate some of the long-term effects that frontline workers may experience as a result of the pandemic. Frontline healthcare providers including palliative care physicians, generalists, psychiatrists, intensivists; nurses, physician assistants, healthcare aides; psychologists, social workers and spiritual care professionals are invited to participate.

What does this study involve? Participants will be asked to complete a few brief online surveys. After completion, they can indicate if they are interested in being interviewed by a member of our research team for a related study. If so, they will be contacted for one.

Contact us below if you have any questions or need assistance enrolling in one or more studies

Now is the time for a comprehensive and targeted program of research, addressing issues of death, dying and dignity that have emerged in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.