Abstract
Background
In the UK, rates of neonatal post mortem (PM) are low. Consent for post mortem is required and all parents should have the opportunity to discuss whether to have a PM examination of their baby.
Objectives
We aimed to explore neonatal healthcare professionals’ experiences, knowledge and views regarding the consent process for post-mortem examination after neonatal death.
Method
An online survey was conducted of neonatal healthcare providers in the UK. Responses were analysed from 103 healthcare professionals, 84 of whom were doctors. The response rate was 11.7% of British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) members.
Results
Perceived barriers to PM included cultural and religious practices of parents as well as a lack of rapport between parents and professionals. 69.4% of respondents had observed a PM; these professionals had improved satisfaction with their training and confidence in counselling (P <0.001 and P <0.001) but not knowledge of the procedure (P=0.77). Healthcare professionals reported conservative estimates of the likelihood that a PM would identify significant information regarding the cause of death.
Conclusions
Confidence of neonatal staff in counselling could be improved by observing a PM. Training for staff in developing a rapport with parents and addressing emotional distress may also overcome significant barriers to consent for PM.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 314-345 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Neonatology |
Volume | 115 |
Early online date | 15 Mar 2019 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Keywords
- Autopsy
- Consent
- Counselling
- Post-mortem
- Neonatal Death