Attitude of perinatal pathologists to seeking consent for autopsies from parents: a web-based survey

Attitude of perinatal pathologists to seeking consent for autopsies from parents: a web-based survey
Kim, T.Y. Khong
Pathology, February 2023
Abstract
Background
Perinatal pathologists who know the value and process of autopsy rarely see parents, and there is argument among perinatal pathologists whether or not they should see parents regarding the autopsy. Consent rates for perinatal autopsies have dropped significantly. Poor communication between professionals and parents about autopsies and uncertainty about the value of autopsies from the professionals are two of many reasons for reduced perinatal autopsy rate.
Methods
Members of the Australian and New Zealand Paediatric Pathology Group were invited to participate in a web-based survey exploring their experiences in obtaining consent for perinatal autopsies and their views on being involved in discussion with parents.
Results
Of 14 of 69 pathologists who responded, 10 have seen parents for obtaining consent for autopsies with three still seeing parents. Fifty-seven percent of the participants (8/14) did not want to speak with parents and six of them did not change their mind even with additional funding. More than half (8/14, 57%) believe pathologists should speak with parents regarding autopsies.
Conclusion
Promoting perinatal pathologists, who have positive views on being involved in discussion with parents, to participate in the process of obtaining consent and educating treating clinicians, may increase the perinatal autopsy rate.