| Pronouncing a patient | |
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The Problem: If you have confirmed a death, be sure that yourself or someone else has notified the next of kin, the attending and family doctors' offices, and that a death certificate is completed. If you do not know the cause(s) of death to list on the form, it can be passed along to the attending MD. Next of kin should be advised that they can call attending MD's for discussion of the late patient's case at any time, whether soon after the death or after a delay. Some deaths are coroner's cases. These include deaths within 48 hours of surgery and deaths after accidental and intentional injury. To notify the coroner, the business clerk or paging operator can provide a phone number and you should call the coroner regardless of the time of day or night and expect a prompt call back. |
What We Do: Autopsy should be offered to the next of kin of the deceased. If they wish autopsy to be done, the pathologist needs to be notified. Sometimes, autopsy is of major importance to attending staff, who may want to discuss their reasons for particular interest in an autopsy with next of kin. To determine whether or not coroners need calling and autopsy needs to be vigorously sought, communication with the staff MD on call is quite appropriate.
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| Authorship: Dr Valerie Taylor | Last Revised: 29 May 2002 |