CHS54 Verify an expected death

Overview

This standard covers the verification of an expected death. It includes the assessment of the patient, the recording of the decision and the transmission of relevant information to appropriate professional colleagues.  It also includes the confirmation that death has occurred to bereaved persons and the provision of relevant information and advice on the next steps. Users of this standard will need to ensure that practice reflects up to date information and policies. Version No 1

Knowledge and Understanding

You will need to know and understand:

1. The national and/or local policy and guidelines for patient identification
2. The guidelines relevant to your own and others’ roles and the responsibilities, accountability and duties of yourself and others
3. The national and/or local policy and guidelines for patient records, their storage and confidentiality of information
4. The national and/or locally agreed assessment processes, tools and documentation
5. The national and/or local guidelines for the recording of death
6. Professional codes of practice
7. The progression and prognosis of the disease
8. The management of the disease and possible complications
9. The skills, styles and methods of assessment and how to deal with outcomes
10. The signs of dying
11. The signs of key persons’ emotional status
12. The management of emotional distress
13. Psychological, spiritual and social status
14. The medical terminology relevant to the procedure
15. The range of communication difficulties and sources of resources to aid communication
16. The organisations which offer support relevant to the needs of bereaved persons
17. The range of information which should be made available to bereaved persons
18. The sources of information to assist bereaved persons in deciding on the next step and making choices
19. The importance of clear and direct communications
20. The importance of bereaved persons’ choices and the ways in which they can be supported to make an informed choice
21. The interpretation of body language and influence of position and posture
22. The importance of working within your own sphere of competence and seeking advice when faced with situations outside your sphere of competence

Performance Criteria

You must be able to do the following:

1. ensure all of your actions adhere to national and/or local policy and guidelines at all times
2. identify, access and evaluate all relevant information and consult with colleagues so that you clearly understand the care pathway and the current circumstances
3. accurately identify the patient in line with national and/or local policy and guidelines
4. identify and greet any key person(s) present and determine their preferences with regard to their role in the procedure and any cultural or religious requirements
5. arrange for an independent translator/interpreter if you have reason to believe this will assist the understanding of the key person(s)
6. ensure the environment provides for the maximum possible privacy and dignity for the deceased and key person(s) present throughout the procedure
7. take action to minimise interruptions
8. select and use the appropriate assessment process and documentation
9. assess the patient’s vital signs and determine whether or not death has occurred
10. undertake the assessment involving the key person(s) as appropriate
11. assess the emotional state of the key person(s) and respond accordingly throughout the process, using visual clues to add to the understanding
12. inform the key person(s) of the death at an appropriate level and pace
13. provide opportunities for the key person(s) to ask any questions and respond appropriately
14. inform the key person(s) of the next steps in the process and of the range of options available to them, taking account of their preferences and any cultural or religious requirements
15. provide and/or signpost the key person(s) with supporting and appropriate information, including how to obtain further information and/or support
16. record the verification of the death
17. inform appropriate professional colleagues of the death and relevant circumstances
18. seek advice and support from an appropriate source when you recognise the complexity of the case is beyond your competence and capability

Additional Information

This National Occupational Standard was developed by Skills for Health. This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004): Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and treatment planning This standard has replaced PSL10