title: Obtaining permission for an autopsy: its importance for patients and physicians.
abstract: This paper reviews the importance, benefits, and methods of increasing autopsy percentages. Its focus is on specific procedures for obtaining autopsy consent, particularly in terms of addressing the problems that most often interfere with obtaining permission for postmortem examination. Techniques for handling various misconceptions about autopsies are discussed. These guides for postmortem-related discussions with families will lead to improvement in overall physician performance and satisfaction.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Derman
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Kopin
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Glassroth
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Patterson
mesh_terms: D001293:Attitude to Death; D001344:Autopsy; D005190:Family; D006801:Humans; D007258:Informed Consent; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D018570:Risk Assessment