Next of Kin and Communications Flashcards
List the stages of Greif.
AR
Denial, Anger, Barganing, Depression, Acceptance
What are some examples of what NOT to say?
AR
“I know how you feel”
“They are in a better place”
“You will be okay”
“I know what you’re going through”
Who is the next of kin?
AR
Spouse
How do you establish good rarpport?
AR
Use nicknames, Sit down, Be a constant, Listen & Be available
T/F: You should only relay information orally.
AR
False
Orally and Written
What is the order of the NOK hierarchy?
Spouse, adult children, parents (biological when possible), siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles and their children.
(NA)
How do you do a death notification over the phone?
Confirm the identity of the speaker, introduce yourself, ask if the person knows the decedent, then ask their relationship (confirming the NOK), find out where the person is, deliver the news.
(NA)
Why is it important to determine if the NOK is driving when delivering the news?
If the person is driving, telling them that their loved one is dead can cause panic and distress which has the possibility of causing a crash.
(NA)
What are some phrases to say to individuals when speaking to them?
“I am here to help”
“I am so sorry that I’m here and meeting you this way”
“Take your time”
“I have resources for you that may be helpful; they have been helpful to others.”
“This must be so difficult for you”
(NA)
True or False:
In PA, autopsy reports are given out for free to families of the decedent.
False, they are not free of cost in the state of PA.
(KW)
True or False: Interviewing and Interrogation are the same thing.
False! They are not the same, and you should only ever Interview family members/witnesses.
(KW)
When is the best time to interview family members/witnesses?
Immediately after/as soon after the death as possible.
(KW)
Why is the best time to interview a family member/witness as soon after the death as possible?
Someone’s memory of events or specific details can change over time if too much time has elapsed.
(KW)
True or False:
Euphemisms like “past away” or “gone” be used when delivering a death notification to family members, especially children, because it can help to soften the blow and can be comforting.
False! Euphemisms should never be used in place of simply using “death” or “dead”, as this can be confusing or seen as condescending.
(KW)
Why is communicating with the family so important for medicolegal professionals?
What you say will have a direct impact on their ability to cope, view of the medicolegal system, and willingness to cooperate with an investigation.
CG
True or False: Two individuals with the same relationship to the deceased will grieve in the same way.
False! Grief varies from person to person.
CG
True or False: Grief can effect the way people process information (i.e. forgetting things after a verbal explanation)
True
CG
What is the most important thing to do if you give your number to a grieving family member?
Answer if they call!
CG
T or F: There is a specific order the stages of grief occur in
False (HS)
What is the preferred way to deliver a death notification?
In person (HS)
What should you do if violence occurs during a notification?
Ask for back up (HS)
T or F: It is important not to hesitate or allow long periods of silence once you have begun a death notification.
True. Hesitation or silence may cause panic in the NOK (HS)
How should you speak when communicating with the decedent’s family?
Speak clearly and with simple language (HS)
