Verification of Death
for Registered Practitioners
Course Overview
This 3-hour training session will be conducted by a highly experienced Clinical Nurse Educator who possesses first hand knowledge of the topic.
Also available as part of a full days training including End of Life Care and Syringe Driver Management
Suitable For:
This training is for healthcare professionals seeking to improve their Verification of Death skills and knowledge.
Session Aim:
According to a systematic review of 28 studies published in the Journal of Palliative Medicine, errors in VOD occur in approximately 0.4% to 4% of cases, and up to 33% of deaths are not verified in a timely manner. This highlights the importance of appropriate training and education for healthcare professionals who may be responsible for verifying death.
Amidst the COVID-19 emergency, caring for the deceased and their families has posed exceptional challenges for society and the health service, resulting in rapid revisions to existing systems. This training course aims to equip learners with a comprehensive understanding of the current legislation in the UK pertaining to Verification of Expected Death by Registered Nurses. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness of the professional responsibilities related to confirming death in community settings.
Learning Outcomes:
- Differentiate ‘Verification’ and ‘Certification’ of Death.
- Review the role and responsibilities of a Registered Nurse when verifying a person has died .
- Identify when a death may need involvement with the coroner.
- Explain the procedure of verifying a patient’s death, including infection control measures, patient examination and documentation.
- Describe the examination process that should be followed when verifying a patient has died.
- Recognise the potential/actual emotional impact that death can have on relatives, colleagues, paid carers and other residents in communal areas.