Focus Expand Think through the following scenarios / questions and how you might answer: 1. Most parents know about post-mortems and what is involved. a) True b) False 2. Once a child has died it seems insensitive to worry the family with requests to consider donating the child’s organs or tissue. On the other hand the child’s organs or tissue could be used in research later to save the life of another child. How do you resolve this conflict? a) Never initiate the discussion, but respond positively if the parents raise the matter with you. b) Always raise the question as parents have the right to consider this as a choice. c) Assess the parents’ likely response case by case.
Parents say - Andrea and Peter Expand Click below to play video, which will open in a new browser tab.
Presentation Expand The Post-mortem examination - Code of practice and standards outlines all the necessary guidance. Consent is a process and must not be rushed. Assist parents in understanding the post-mortem consent form – no parent ever considers this may be a choice they will have to make. Ensure you are familiar with the form. In a consented post-mortem, parents’ permission needs to be given for any tissue or organs to be retained for any purpose. When requesting a post-mortem examination, explain to parents that it will be carried out respectfully. Parents need to know it will not usually affect their child’s face, hands or feet. If a coroner orders a post-mortem when a death is sudden and unexpected, or of unknown cause, this is a legal requirement and parents are not asked for permission. But they need every bit as much support and information as to why the procedure is required, the likely timescales involved, and how the findings may help them understand why their child died. If possible, give the name of the pathologist and explain where their child will be taken for the post-mortem examination. Parents are likely to want to know the timescales involved and may ask about the possibility of seeing their child afterwards. If parents do agree for any tissue or organs to be retained, you should recognise that every donation is a gift. Key points Always tell the truth and be factual Be honest about what you don’t know Explain that any post-mortem examination or autopsy will be done with care and respect Parents may want to know whether they can see their child after post mortem In hospital consented post-mortem examinations, organs and tissue may only be retained with permission. Give parents accurate information about this When a coroner’s autopsy is required, parents are not asked for permission, but they do need support and information Provide clear information about the coroner and post-mortem examination, and check parents’ understanding of what has been said If uncertain, discuss the post-mortem and what may be needed with the pathologist Your regional transplant coordinator will be able to provide you with information about organ donation.
Doctors say - Dr Caroline Gannon Expand Click below to play video, which will open in a new browser tab.
Review and reflection Expand Returning to the section called 'Focus' above, do you feel differently about these answers now? Reflection Parents appreciate knowing by name the professional who will be conducting the post-mortem examination on their child. Would you know the name to give? Do you know the name of your regional transplant coordinator and how to contact them? Did anything in this module surprise you? What is your key learning from this module? Are there any questions you want to follow up either at your place of work or on the training day? Make a note of anything you would like to raise within the training course. Return to menu