Post-Mortem Authorisation – Parent to Parent

10/12/2018

Presented by Dr. Margaret-Jane Evans B.Sc., MBChB., FRCPath (Paeds), LLM (Edin)

Accompanying video:

Parent to Parent Post Mortem Authorisation Animation from SANDS Lothians on Vimeo.

Measurable Learning Objectives:
At the conclusion of this presentation, participants should be able to…
1. Discuss what parents want to know about the post mortem process and to involve them in provision of accessible materials which address their concerns
2. Discuss the families’ concerns about their baby’s body being treated with dignity and respect

ABOUT THE PRESENTER:

Dr. Margaret-Jane Evans B.Sc., MBChB., FRCPath (Paeds), LLM (Edin)
I have been employed as a consultant perinatal pathologist at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh since 2005 and am responsible for performing fetal and perinatal autopsies both for the hospital and the Procurator Fiscal. I firmly believe that detailed autopsy and placental pathology make a significant contribution to the understanding of stillbirth and neonatal deaths. I feel passionately about pathology involvement in the review of stillbirths and neonatal deaths and its ability to inform future care. I am concerned with issues regarding public perception of autopsy; with this in mind I have been involved in “out-reach” programmes aimed at educating young people and the wider public about the role played by pathology in the diagnosis of disease, including the development of suitable materials for engaging parents in discussion about autopsy and placental examination in order to ensure informed consent. I am also actively involved in developing new resources for health care messaging.

Marti Perhach

10/20/2018 09:37:54 am

Thank you, Dr. Evans, and thank you to the bereaved parents and Sands Lothians for this study and for the very sensitive and well-done video to help parents make informed choices about post mortems.

Margaret J Evans

10/21/2018 03:22:45 am

I am so grateful to Marti for allowing us to share this video at this virtual symposium. . It is hoped that the video will provide a sensitive way of introducing the very difficult subject of autopsy in cases of Stillbirth or early Neonatal death as it addresses many of the real concerns voiced by parents .It is available to be used free of charge

Moderator

10/21/2018 09:19:08 am

The above video can be downloaded and shared through Vimeo by clicking on the title and can also be viewed at https://sands-lothians.org.uk/post-mortem-animation/ where there are other parent loss resources available.

Amy Megan

10/23/2018 08:17:13 am

This was a lovely presentation and as a friend to parents who have gone through loss, I think this presentation is a great way to address necessary decisions. What stuck out to me most was that you referred to the process as a "post mortem" throughout the presentation rather than an "autopsy," as I would probably call it and hear it used. Calling the process a post mortem seems less shocking to beavered parents, as autopsy has a darker connotation. I appreciate that because I've noticed that at a time of loss terminology is so important.

It's great to see that work is being done to make sure medical professionals address the needs and concerns of bereaved parents.

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