Death of a Healthcare Member: A Systematic Guide for Hospital Systems

The death of a healthcare team member often has a significant impact on co-workers, hospital systems, friends, and family. A large community can be affected by grief, shock, and stress when faced with the tragedy of death, and there is limited information about the resources and guidelines that should be initiated. In the face of inadequate guidelines, we present a flexible procedural framework designed to effectively manage the series of events after the death of a healthcare team member occurring within or outside the hospital premises. This framework was developed within a prominent level 1 trauma academic medical center situated within a comprehensive healthcare organization. Our proposed outline compiles a contact list and a flow diagram for systematic notification of staff who may be involved in the hospital system during such an event. We reviewed relevant editorials and publications that help inform our method. During this heightened time of stress and grief, we believe it is imperative to consider patient care coverage, privacy and risk mitigation, and the well-being of other team members. Circumstances surrounding the death of team members may vary, but a well-developed, prepared, and organized approach may help avoid miscommunication, reduce confusion, and provide needed services throughout the bereavement period.