Should Relatives Be Informed That Autopsy Is intended?

Abstract

According to a recommendation of the Swedish JO (Ombudsman) relatives of deceased patients were informed that autopsy was intended. Subsequently, 278 (94%) of them were interviewed. The aim was to investigate whether the notification procedure had had positive consequences for them or whether, from their point of view, it could equally well or preferably be omitted. (1) 13% of the relatives denied that they had been informed. This was more common among those who had not commented at all when the intention was presented. It seemed that many of them had never realized that the matter had been mentioned. (2) Generally it seems that the information procedure provided an opportunity for relatives who object to autopsy to express their views. (3) Relatives had a better knowledge of the cause of death when they had been made aware that a post-mortem was intended than when they had not. (4) On the basis of their own experience, the vast majority (79%) considered that information about intended autopsy should be given to relatives of patients dying in hospitals. Finally, suggestions are offered concerning the procedure to be adopted for informing relatives of an intended autopsy.