Talking to the family after an autopsy
Hirsch, C.S.
Archives of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine 108(6): 513-514
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0003-9985 PMID: 6547306 Document Number: 226407
Few physicians have opportunities that can match the pathologist's to bring compassion and understanding to the bereaved by means of the postautopsy consultation with families. The emotional responses of survivors are often dominated by guilt. Practical guidelines for talking to the bereaved consist of the honesty , compassion, and common sense of the pathologist.