Fleming, Peter J., Blair, Peter S., Sidebotham, Peter and Hayler, Tracy. (2004) Investigating sudden unexpected deaths in infancy and childhood and caring for bereaved families : an integrated multiagency approach. BMJ, Vol.328 (No.7435). p. 331. ISSN 0959-535X

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Abstract

The sudden unexpected death of an infant or child is one of the worst events to happen to any family. Bereaved parents expect and should receive appropriate, thorough, and sensitive investigations to identify the medical causes of such deaths. As a result, several parallel needs must be fulfilled. Firstly, the needs of the family must be recognised—including the need for information and support. Further, there is the need to identify any underlying medical causes of death that may have genetic or public health implications; the need for a thorough forensic investigation to exclude unnatural causes of death; and the need to protect siblings and subsequent children. Alongside this, families need to be protected from false or inappropriate accusations. Limitations in the present coronial system have led to delays or failures to detect deaths caused by relatives, carers, or health professionals. Several recent, highly publicised trials have highlighted the possibilities of parents facing such accusations. As a result of this the whole process of death certification has come under intense scrutiny. We review the medical, forensic, and sociological literature on the optimal investigation and care of families after the sudden death of a child. We describe the implementation in the former county of Avon of a structured multiagency approach and the potential benefits for families and professionals.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman R Medicine > RJ Pediatrics
Divisions:	Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Sudden death in children, Death -- Causes, Bereavement
Journal or Publication Title:	BMJ
Publisher:	BMJ Group
ISSN:	0959-535X
Date:	7 February 2004
Volume:	Vol.328
Number:	No.7435
Page Range:	p. 331
Identification Number:	10.1136/bmj.328.7435.331
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/34572

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