AIMS
To be able to understand the process of verifying death, and the responsibilities and roles of people involved.
LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of this course you will:
- Understand the procedure and law for verifying death
- Know what happens when a death is unexpected
- Recognise the lessons that can be learned from the shipman inquiry
- Know who can verify death, and the pre-procedure
- Understand the steps to take to verify death has occurred
- Recognise the signs that death has occurred, and how to check for these
- Understand your role after the death of a patient
- Be aware of the wide range of religious practices surrounding the death of a loved one
- Know how to support the staff in the event of the death of a patient
LESSONS AND TOPICS
Verification of Death Definition
- Verification of Death
- Certification of Death
- Summary of the Procedure
- The Law
After Confirmation of Death
- Supporting the Family Immediately after Death
- Last Offices
Unexpected Death Procedure
- Example Procedure for an Unexpected Death
- A Coroner’s Involvement
- When a Coroner is not Involved
Religious Beliefs
- Their Importance
- Islam
- Judaism
- Christianity
- Buddhism
- Hinduism and Sikhism
The Shipman Inquiry
- Harold Shipman
- Background
Mentoring and Preparing Staff for Death
- Mentoring
Verifying Death
- Who Can Do This?
- Procedure for Verifying a Death
- Step by Step guide
Signs that Death has Occurred
- Observations
- First Inspection
- Clinical Signs for Confirming Death
- Rigor Mortis
- Lividity (Livor Mortis)