Post-mortems: An overview

Abstract

A post-mortem is an examination of the body of someone who has recently died, with the aim of determining the cause of death. It is a process with which most members of the public are not familiar. Doctors often have not witnessed a post-mortem in their training and are unaware of the practicalities involved. It can, therefore, generate difficult and uncomfortable conversations if the clinician is unprepared. This article aims to demystify the process to allow an informed conversation between the clinician and patient and a more positive outcome for all.