[Dutch guideline 'Post-mortem examination for attending doctors' ready at last]

Area of Science:

• Medical Guidelines
• Forensic Pathology
• Clinical Practice

Background:

• Attending doctors require clear directives for post-mortem examinations.
• Differentiating natural from unnatural causes of death is crucial for legal and medical purposes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the primary objectives of post-mortem examinations.
• To provide criteria for distinguishing between natural and unnatural deaths.
• To clarify the attending doctor's role in death certification.

Main Methods:

• The guideline details the essential components of a post-mortem examination.
• It specifies conditions under which a municipal coroner must be consulted.
• It addresses the timely execution of post-mortem examinations.

Main Results:

• Post-mortem examinations aim to ascertain the cause of death (natural vs. unnatural), not merely confirm death.
• Specific examination protocols are indicated for reliable differentiation.
• Attending doctors are authorized to issue death certificates only in cases of natural death.

Conclusions:

• Clear protocols for post-mortem examinations are essential for accurate cause-of-death determination.
• In suspected unnatural deaths, involving a municipal coroner is mandatory.
• Timely post-mortem examinations are recommended, with exceptions for expected nocturnal deaths in care facilities.