Last offices

Summary

This instructional video provides guidance on the proper procedures for caring for a deceased patient, specifically for healthcare professionals and newly qualified nurses. It covers essential steps such as verifying death, preparing the body, respecting cultural and religious preferences, handling personal items, and documenting the process. It also emphasizes the importance of compassion and confidence-building, especially for those who may not frequently engage in end-of-life care. With helpful advice on how to navigate the emotional and practical aspects, this video supports staff in ensuring respectful and professional care of deceased patients.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Compassionate Care Flower serves as a visual aid when a patient's death is imminent or after death has occurred.
• 😀 It is important to follow the bereavement policy and infection prevention guidelines during end-of-life care.
• 😀 The death of a patient must be verified by a doctor or registered nurse, and the verification should be documented within the hour.
• 😀 The bereavement office provides resources and guidance, including a hospital bereavement booklet and a death notification slip.
• 😀 When caring for a deceased patient for the first time, it is recommended to work alongside an experienced staff member.
• 😀 Before washing and preparing the body, ensure to discuss specific care preferences with the family, including religious and cultural considerations.
• 😀 Families may request the removal of jewelry or specific items, which should be documented in accordance with the trust's policy.
• 😀 The body should be prepared carefully, using a shroud and clean pads to avoid leakage, especially when a catheter is present.
• 😀 If the patient’s jaw is open after death, a rolled towel may be placed beneath the neck to close it.
• 😀 When wrapping the body, be cautious not to make the sheet too tight to avoid disfiguration, and use minimal tape to secure the shroud.
• 😀 The second death notification slip should be placed on the body for identification purposes and can be secured in the body bag if needed.

Q & A

What is the purpose of the Compassionate Care Flower visual aid?

The Compassionate Care Flower is a visual aid displayed when a patient's death is imminent or after death to help guide staff through the process of caring for the deceased.

Where can staff find the bereavement policy and other related documents?

The bereavement policy and related documents can be found on the trust's intranet page. Search for 'bereavement' to locate the policy, including the adult bereavement checklist and the death notification slip.

What steps should be followed immediately after a patient's death?

After a patient's death, a doctor or registered nurse must verify the death. This verification should be documented, including the time and date of death, ideally within one hour of passing.

What should staff do when preparing a deceased patient for their family to say goodbye?

Staff should remove any medical equipment, such as lines and tubes, and ensure the patient's room is ready for the family. They should also check with the family regarding specific wishes, such as whether the body should be washed or if any memory-making actions, like clipping a lock of hair, are desired.

How should staff handle the body in terms of cleanliness and appearance?

The body should be washed carefully, placed in a shroud, and a clean pad should be placed beneath the patient to avoid leakage. The body should be positioned carefully to ensure it looks peaceful, such as using a towel to close the jaw if necessary.

What role does documentation play in the care of the deceased?

Documentation is crucial, including the completion of two death notification slips. One is attached to the body to assist mortuary staff in identifying the patient, while the other is used for the official records.

What are the key considerations when handling a deceased patient's jewelry?

It is important to respect the family’s wishes regarding the removal or retention of jewelry, including religious artifacts. If jewelry is to be removed, it should be documented per the trust's property policy, and the death notification slip should reflect these details.

Why should tape be used carefully when wrapping the body?

Tape should be used sparingly to avoid causing disfiguration to the body. It should be applied lightly to secure the shroud without being too tight, as this can alter the appearance of the deceased.

What is the significance of the second death notification slip?

The second death notification slip is placed on the patient's body, often on the ankle, to assist mortuary staff in identifying the patient. This helps ensure the body is properly processed when transported to the mortuary.

How can staff offer support to the family of the deceased?

Staff should provide the bereavement booklet to the family, offering information about the next steps and available support services. They should also express condolences and be available for any follow-up questions or concerns.