The after-death call to family members: academic perspectives.
OBJECTIVE
The authors discuss clinical and teaching aspects of a telephone call by the treating clinician to family members after a patient dies.


METHODS
A MEDLINE search was conducted for references to an after-death call made by the treating clinician to family members. A review of this literature is summarized.


RESULTS
A clinical application of the after-death call is proposed, with emphasis on a "no regrets" approach. The authors also discuss the management of "at risk" situations, and end with teaching points.


CONCLUSIONS
The after-death call is an example of "best practices" in the care of every patient, and can be used to teach residents and students of all disciplines. Primary care providers and consultation psychiatrists may find this valuable as they communicate with families in the sensitive and often traumatic context after a patient dies.
LoboPrabhu
Sheila
S
Mental Health Care Line, Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA. SheilaM.Loboprabhu@med.va.gov
Molinari
Victor
V
Pate
Jennifer
J
Lomax
James
J
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D019985:Benchmarking; D003219:Confidentiality / Q000523:psychology; D003479:Curriculum; D003643:Death; D004501:Education, Medical; D004644:Emotions; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors / Q000523:psychology; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D013689:Telephone; D013727:Terminal Care / Q000523:psychology