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Related Experiment Videos

The decedent affairs office. A unique centralized service.

A K Haque1, W T Cowan, J H Smith

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77550.

JAMA
|September 11, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Establishing a centralized decedent affairs office improves institutional relations, legal compliance, organ donation, and risk management. Dedicated staff and established procedures facilitate autopsy consent and reduce family distress.

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Area of Science:

  • Healthcare Administration
  • Medical Ethics
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Centralized decedent affairs offices require support from clinicians, department chairmen, and hospital administration for success.
  • Benefits include improved family relations, legal compliance, increased organ donations, and enhanced risk management.
  • A potential drawback is the need for additional personnel for 24-hour coverage, which can be adapted to institutional needs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the establishment and impact of a centralized decedent affairs office.
  • To test the hypothesis that established procedures and trained personnel improve autopsy consent and reduce family emotional distress.
  • To provide a model for other institutions seeking to improve decedent care processes.

Main Methods:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Establishment of a decedent affairs office at The University of Texas Medical Branch in 1984.
  • Implementation of standardized procedures for handling decedents and their families.
  • Involvement of specially trained individuals in the consent and autopsy process.

Main Results:

  • The office aimed to streamline decedent care and improve family interactions.
  • The hypothesis suggested that structured processes would ease autopsy consent and lessen family emotional burden.
  • The establishment focused on creating a supportive and efficient system for all parties involved.

Conclusions:

  • A well-supported, centralized decedent affairs office offers significant institutional benefits.
  • Standardized procedures and trained staff are crucial for sensitive handling of decedents and families.
  • Such offices can improve organ donation rates and risk management while ensuring legal compliance.