Autopsy, Organ or Body Donation, and Funeral Arrangements
Inquiries about autopsy, organ or body donation, and funeral
arrangements are best discussed prior to death, because acutely bereaved
families may be too distraught to address them rationally soon after
a death.
The clinician may suggest that doing so might lessen
the stress that usually follows death.
In certain situations,
an autopsy will be required by law, as in cases where a coroner determines
that death might have resulted from foul play (Sinard 2001).
Suggestions for inquiring about autopsy
and organ donation are below:
Inquiries about Autopsy or Organ Donation
Present autopsy or donation as an option:
Inquire regarding prior discussions, understandings, and plans
Indicate that autopsy can be limited to certain parts of the
body
State that the person’s remains will be treated with
respect
Identify potential benefits of autopsy:
For family - Better understanding of what led to death, possibly
resolve lingering questions about therapeutic choices or underlying
illness, and learning about diseases with possible genetic
implications for family such as dementia, heart disease, and
cancer
For society/other individuals - Benefits of organ donation
and expansion of medical knowledge.
For clinicians - Better understanding of patient’s
illness, resolution of lingering questions and furtherance
of clinician education
Anticipate and address possible family
concerns:
Personal or cultural objections
Disfigurement of body and disposition of remains
Delay of funeral or burial services (problematic in some
cultures)
Expense (if autopsy must be paid for)
Potential impact of the autopsy results on the family (if
findings might be surprising or disturbing, such as identification
of a genetic disease)
Explain plan for communicating autopsy
(or organ donation) results following performance, indicating when
and how family will be informed
