Effects of embalming and medical researchers’ involvement on the families of those who had died from COVID-19

Abstract

【Purpose】 This study investigated the effect of embalming (EM) on the bereaved families of those who died from COVID-19. 【Method】 We conducted a questionnaire survey with 14 bereaved families of those who had died from COVID-19 and underwent EM, by focusing on EM and the involvement of medical researchers. 【Results】 The response rate was 71%, with all households giving a high evaluation to “holding the funeral with viewing of the body after EM,” while 90% answered that they would consider EM “if a family member were to die from a similar infection in the future.” However, 80% affirmed that “explanations provided by medical researchers” alleviated their anxiety. 【Conclusion】 Funerals that allow family members and relatives to view the body of the deceased one last time as a consequence of an EM process, have a beneficial effect on the bereaved families’ grieving process, and explanations by medical researchers help to reduce anxiety about COVID-19. These findings suggest that funerals that allow the embalmed body to be viewed and touched, along with medical researchers’ involvement, could aid the grief care support system that is necessary to cope with emerging infectious diseases.