Death of a child in the emergency department.
Document Type
Response or Comment
Publication Date
7-1-2014
Identifier
DOI: 10.1016/j.annemergmed.2014.05.011
Abstract
The death of a child in the emergency department (ED) is one of the most challenging problems facing ED clinicians. This revised technical report and accompanying policy statement reaffirm principles of patient- and family-centered care. Recent literature is examined regarding family presence, termination of resuscitation, bereavement responsibilities of ED clinicians, support of child fatality review efforts, and other issues inherent in caring for the patient, family, and staff when a child dies in the ED. Appendices are provided that offer an approach to bereavement activities in the ED, carrying out forensic responsibilities while providing compassionate care, communicating the news of the death of a child in the acute setting, providing a closing ritual at the time of terminating resuscitation efforts, and managing the child with a terminal condition who presents near death in the ED.
Journal Title
Annals of emergency medicine
Volume
64
Issue
1
First Page
1
Last Page
17
MeSH Keywords
Death; Emergency Service, Hospital; Hospital Mortality; Humans; Organizational Policy; Professional-Family Relations
Keywords
Death; Dying; Emergency Room
Recommended Citation
O'Malley, P. J., Barata, I. A., Snow, S. K., ., ., ., Conners, G. P. Death of a child in the emergency department. Annals of emergency medicine 64, 1-17 (2014).
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