The ritual: death pronouncement

Brian S Carter1

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, Nashville, TN 37232-9544, USA. Brian.Carter@Vanderbilt.edu

Insights

Pediatricians infrequently pronounce death, but it is common for pediatric hospitalists and intensivists. This guide offers key concepts for practice and training in pediatric death pronouncement.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Death pronouncement is an infrequent event for general pediatricians.
  • It is a more common occurrence for hospitalists and pediatric intensivists in intensive care settings.
  • Pediatric hospitalists may encounter death pronouncements across various hospital locations.

Observation:

  • The abstract highlights the differential frequency of death pronouncement based on pediatric subspecialty.
  • It notes the hospital setting as the predominant location for pediatric deaths.

Findings:

  • The study focuses on the practical aspects and educational needs surrounding death pronouncement in pediatrics.
  • Key concepts for clinical practice and trainee education are presented.

Implications:

  • Provides essential guidance for pediatricians, particularly hospitalists and intensivists, on managing death pronouncements.
  • Aims to improve the education and preparedness of trainees in handling pediatric end-of-life care scenarios.
Abstract

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