Bereaved relatives' experiences in relation to post mortem: a qualitative exploration in North East Scotland.

Stephen, Audrey I.; Leith, Valerie Sheach; Macduff, Colin; Christie, Sarah

Abstract

When a family is grieving the loss of a member the consideration of post mortem is an additional concern. This study set out to explore how relatives are supported to give authorisation and throughout the post mortem process. Thirteen relatives with varied experiences of a relative's death took part in interviews. Data analysis revealed the post mortem as part of the narrative of the death, with more significance for some than others. Important aspects for relatives were being able to say goodbye properly, and engagement with staff in hospital and procurator fiscal (public prosecution) services in more substantive communicative relationships, rather than only receiving basic information. Relatives valued receiving results they could understand. There may be opportunities, particularly in coroner or procurator fiscal services, for development of roles in liaison between relatives and pathology services, and support for relatives.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Dec 31, 2015
• Journal: Bereavement care
• Print ISSN: 0268-2621
• Electronic ISSN: 1944-8279
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 34
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 103-109
• Institution Citation: STEPHEN, A., SHEACH LEITH, V., MACDUFF, C. and CHRISTIE, S. 2015. Bereaved relatives' experiences in relation to post mortem: a qualitative exploration in North East Scotland. Bereavement care [online], 34(3), pages 103-109. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/02682621.2015.1108547
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02682621.2015.1108547
• Keywords: Bereavement; Psychosocial support; Post mortem; Coroner; Family