Do we need to change our understanding of anticipatory grief in caregivers? A systematic review of caregiver studies during end-of-life caregiving and bereavement

The assumptions that grief work before the loss would alleviate bereavement outcome was not confirmed. Thus, the concept of anticipatory grief is questioned. High preparedness was associated with improved caregiver outcome. Additional support should be given to caregivers with pre-loss grief and low preparedness.