Path ethics Flashcards
What are steps when verifying a death
No response to verbal or painful stimulus
No palpable carotid pulse
No heart sounds (2 minutes)
No breaths sounds (2 minutes)
Pupils fixed and dilated (non-responsive to light)
DOCUMENT in medical notes (date and time)
Notify Consultant, discuss cause of death for certificate, arrange for family to be notified
When filling out medical certificate of cause of death, what are some important points as doctor
To be familial with the case and notes
Have you seen the patient during most recent illness
This is going to be reviewed by a medical examiner so be very familiar with the case
It must be completed before anything can be done with the body
When could you use old age on MCCD
Have cared for Deceased over a long period
Have noticed a gradual decline in the Deceased’s health and functioning
Not aware of any identifiable disease/injury that contributed to death
You are certain the death should not be reported to the Coroner
Example- 1a. Pathological fractures of femoral neck and thoracic vertebrae; 1b. Severe osteoporosis; 1c. Old age
Who are medical examiners
Medical Examiner’s are senior doctors with specialised training for this role. They are responsible for oversight of all deaths in the geographical region where the death occurred.
Once have filled out MCCD what do
Fill out medical examiners notification form and email to medical examiner. If they agree can sign the MCCD form
What is a cremation certificate
This states that examination of the body is no longer required
Get paid for these
What are the different cremation certificates
Form 4: Medical certificate
Form 7: following anatomy dissection
Form 11: following autopsy certificate
What are consented autopsies
These are autopsies consented for by family, patient or medical staff, will be for:
To determine:
extent of disease
response to treatment
occult disease
To support:
teaching/training
research/audit
What are the 3 types of autopsy
Consented- MCCD issued
Medicolegal- MCCD not issed
1. Coroners (meets reason listed)
2. forensic where police involved
Cases to refer to coroner
If any doubt over cause of death
Death due to:
Suicide
Accident/trauma
Industrial disease
Medical/surgical treatment
Abortion
Anaesthetic care
Lack of medical care
murder
Self-neglect
Unknown cause of death
Not seen by a Dr during last illness or last 28 days
During or within 12 months of pregnancy
Death in custody
While detained under Mental Health Act
When referred to coroner what will happens
They will provide COD for MCCD
Consent for autopsy and further investigation
What activities on a dead body must be undertaken by an authority with a license
Post mortem
Removal of a body
Storage for a scheduled purpose like teaching
Which processes require consent from a family member of pre-elected nominee
Clinical audit
Education or training related to human health
Performance assessment
Public health monitoring
Quality assurance
Who gives consent for an autopsy
Coroner if needs to be done for determining cause of death
Anything for interest must be done by the family
Who can give consent for removal, use or storage of tissue after death?
Person pre death
Nominated representative
Family member
