title: What to expect from an inquest and how to be prepared for difficulties.
abstract: An inquest aims to find out the facts surrounding a sudden death without apportioning blame. When a patient dies in hospital, if the cause of death is unknown or unnatural, nurses can be called to the inquest as witnesses. This paper explains how to prepare for this, what to expect during a hearing, and the importance of using the experience for reflective practice.
authors.affiliation: Legal Services, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Trust, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
authors.forename: Caroline J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Pennels
mesh_terms: D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005554:Forensic Medicine; D006801:Humans; D009741:Nursing Staff, Hospital / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000523:psychology; D006113:United Kingdom