sympathy cards from the office

Published

Do you send sympathy cards to family members of patients who die?

I work Internal medicine and this question has come up more than once in the last few months

If both the person who passes away and the family member are patients of the practice I think it is appropriate to send a sympathy card to the remaining pt/family member

What do you think and what does your practice advocate ?

Does the physician sign the card?

I am very interested in hearing about your offices.

Thank you

Joy and Smiles * Darla

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency/Trauma/Education.

My grandparents saw the same FP for years. The office sent Grandma a card after Grandpa died last fall. I know it meant a lot to her!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have sent cards to family members, especially if they have been pts for some time. I feel it might make the surviving family members feel comforted that I am thinking of them and their loved one. I have also sent get well cards to patients who are very familiar in the office and have recently gone through surgery. I have also dropped a "thinking of you" card to pt's who are having tough times, just to let them know someone is thinking of them, especially if they don't have any family around. That is the great thing about Family Practice. You get to know your patients when they are healthy and then be there for them when they are sick. You learn family dynamics.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.
Do you send sympathy cards to family members of patients who die?

I work Internal medicine and this question has come up more than once in the last few months

If both the person who passes away and the family member are patients of the practice I think it is appropriate to send a sympathy card to the remaining pt/family member

What do you think and what does your practice advocate ?

Does the physician sign the card?

I am very interested in hearing about your offices.

Thank you

Joy and Smiles * Darla

I think that is a great idea. I sent sympathy cards to at least one family member of my patients who died.

It really means alot to them. Very caring of you!! :balloons:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion