- Review the chart enough to answer likely questions from the family. Figure out if the death was expected or not. If completely unexpected, get help with notification.
- Identify yourself as Dr. X from hospital Y.
- Ask for next of kin by name or relationship, e.g. "Id like to speak to Mrs. Smiths husband, please.
- Verify the relationship before you begin. "Im calling about Mrs. Mary Smith who is a patient at hospital Y. Is this the right number?"
- Think before you speak. A family member may remember this conversation for the rest of his/her life. How you deilver the news can impact their grieving and recovery process.
- Fire a "warning shot" before you deliver the news: "Im very sorry to disturb you at this time of night, particularly with the kind of news I have" or "Im very sorry to say that I have some bad news to give you."
- Speak slowly and say the words "has died" clearly and distinctly. Repeat the message another time and give the exact time. "Im sorry to tell you that your wife, Mrs. Smith, has died. She died at 7:05 this morning."
- If you were present: "I was with her when she died. She died very peacefully and she was not in any pain" or "I was there when she died. It was very sudden and she did not have any pain or distress."
- If patient was found dead by a nurse: "The nurse called me immediately and it was clear to me that she died quietly in her sleep."
- Pause for the persons reaction. Try to identify (to yourself) the emotion the person is exhibiting, e.g. anger or sadness, and try for an empathic response: "I know this is terribly sad for you and your family" or "You sound very angry and I can certainly understand that." Answer questions as calmly as you can. Do not argue or contradict.
- Ask if he/she would like to come to the hospital to speak to someone in person.
- Ask for an autopsy last preferably in person.
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