MAXIMIZING THE BENEFITS OF AUTOPSY FOR CLINICIAN AND FAMILIES - WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE

The benefits of autopsy, both for clinicians and families, are reviewe d. The autopsy rate in the United States has fallen dramatically in th e past 50 years. The many factors contributing to this decline are sum marized. For clinicians and families to receive the maximum benefits f rom the autopsy will require (1) altering methods of obtaining consent (eg, using trained autopsy advocates anti enhancing awareness of cult ural issues); (2) altering autopsy procedures (eg, decreasing turnarou nd time; discussing issues and concerns with clinicians; and issuing m oire detailed, less technical reports); (3) improving communication wi th clinicians and families (eg, collecting clinician and family contac t information on autopsy permits; inviting attendings, housestaff, and students to attend gross conferences; making telephone calls regardin g unexpected findings; guaranteeing reports to clinicians; writing non technical summary letters to clinicians and families when the final re port is completed; and conducting postautopsy conferences); and (4) ed ucating both medical professionals and public citizens about the value of autopsy (eg, featuring autopsy results in medical conferences, dis tributing educational materials, and using print and electronic media) .