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The After-Death Call to Family Members: Academic Perspectives

Received July 13, 2006; revised December 8, 2006, and March 29, 2007; accepted May 2, 2007. Dr. LoboPrabhu is affiliated with the Mental Health Care Line and Mental Health Research, Education, and Clinical Center (MIRECC) at Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston, Texas. Drs. LoboPrabhu, Pate, and Lomax are affiliated with the Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Dr. Molinari is affiliated with the Department of Aging and Mental Health, Louis de la Parte Florida Mental Health Institute, at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Pate is affiliated with the Department of Psychiatry at Ben Taub General Hospital in Houston. Address correspondence to Sheila LoboPrabhu, M.D., Mental Health Care Line, Michael DeBakey VA Medical Center, 116MHCL, 2002 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030; SheilaM.Loboprabhu{at}med.va.gov (e-mail).

OBJECTIVE: The authors discuss clinical and teaching aspects of a telephone call by the treating clinician to family members after a patient dies. METHODS: A MEDLINE search was conducted for references to an after-death call made by the treating clinician to family members. A review of this literature is summarized. RESULTS: A clinical application of the after-death call is proposed, with emphasis on a "no regrets" approach. The authors also discuss the management of "at risk" situations, and end with teaching points. CONCLUSION: The after-death call is an example of "best practices" in the care of every patient, and can be used to teach residents and students of all disciplines. Primary care providers and consultation psychiatrists may find this valuable as they communicate with families in the sensitive and often traumatic context after a patient dies.

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