UCL Discovery
UCL home » Library Services » Electronic resources » UCL Discovery

Improving uptake of perinatal autopsy

Lewis, C; Simcock, IC; Arthurs, OJ; (2021) Improving uptake of perinatal autopsy. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology , 33 (2) pp. 129-134. 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000691. Green open access

[thumbnail of Lewis_Improving uptake of perinatal autopsy V4 29-09-20_FINAL.pdf]
Preview
Text
Lewis_Improving uptake of perinatal autopsy V4 29-09-20_FINAL.pdf - Accepted Version

Download (363kB) | Preview

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Uptake of perinatal autopsy has declined in the West over the past 30 years, largely because of reduced parental acceptance of a traditional invasive autopsy. Several studies have recently investigated the decline to identify the key factors and how they may be mitigated. RECENT FINDINGS: Three main themes were identified that have been found to improve uptake of perinatal autopsy: improved communication, in particular ensuring the consent process was conducted as a conversation with time spent talking through the procedure and allowing time for questions; health professional training to ensure staff discussing autopsy with parents have adequate understanding of the procedure and are able to convey confidence and empathy; and availability of less invasive autopsy, including noninvasive as well as minimally invasive options. These should be offered alongside standard autopsy, which some parents may still prefer. SUMMARY: This review highlights that the discussions that take place, and the options that are available to parents, can profoundly impact whether or not they consent to autopsy investigation. Further research should focus on the impact of offering less invasive options as well as evaluating the training and support materials that have recently been developed.

Type: Article
Title: Improving uptake of perinatal autopsy
Location: England
Open access status: An open access version is available from UCL Discovery
DOI: 10.1097/GCO.0000000000000691
Publisher version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/GCO.0000000000000691
Language: English
Additional information: This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions.
UCL classification: UCL
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health > Developmental Neurosciences Dept
UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Population Health Sciences > UCL GOS Institute of Child Health > Population, Policy and Practice Dept
URI: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10123857
Downloads since deposit
81Downloads
Download activity - last month
Download activity - last 12 months
Downloads by country - last 12 months

Archive Staff Only

View Item View Item