Autopsies are required in certain situations. Families are informed about the process and simple explanations are provided to dispel any misconceptions about the procedure. Organ and tissue donation is discussed when appropriate and in accordance with state law. Funeral arrangements may be a source of anxiety, not only in the choice of practitioner but also in the anticipated cost. Staff members can provide information about private and public resources available in the community.
Families occasionally wish to spend time with the deceased child before leaving the hospital.
In such cases, medical staff clean and prepare the resuscitation room, removing medical equipment and materials used to treat the child. Signs of medical intervention are also removed from the patient. Follow-up after the child s death A staff member, preferably the family care specialist, contacts the family and offers assistance in the areas of funeral planning, approach to sibling reactions, need for mental health services, autopsy decisions, and the availability of support groups such as Compassionate Friends, which offer group meetings. Support is offered to the family for one year, along with regular contact from the family care specialist and at least one contact from the emergency room physician. The results of the autopsy are discussed with the family at a scheduled meeting.