Follow-Up Refresher

In a case that KCMEO is taking jurisdiction in signing the death certificate, whose responsibility is it to explain to next of kin KCMEO's role in the death?

The funeral home

The KCMEO investigator taking the case

The reporting nurse

Law enforcement

Who would be the legal next of kin for a decedent who died that was not currently married?

When should family follow-up be completed when KCMEO is taking jurisdiction of a case?

As soon as possible, regardless of the time

The family is going through a traumatic time, follow-up can be done the next morning

Family follow-up is not required

When speaking to family about the role of KCMEO in a death, what is also important to obtain/confirm during this conversation? (check all that apply)

Medical History

Social History

Any falls/injuries

Any significant recent history

You don't need to get any information from family, the nurse has it all.

If you cannot reach next of kin when follow-up is needed, what should you do?

It is the nurses responsibility to tell them, do nothing

Call the supervisor on call to update them and obtain direction

Someone will call tomorrow

Don't worry, they'll call KCMEO if they have questions

When obtaining information about a decedent who may have died as a result of a fall or injury, it is important to get as much information about their mobility and ambulatory status prior to the injury?

True

False

If there is a case that you are working on that requires ANY follow-up, what should you do.

Send a descriptive email to KCMEO full time staff of what needs to be done

Don't worry about it, someone will see your notes in the DOA and pick up from there.

Every attempt to reach family should be documented in the Case Activity Log of teh DOA

True

False

What information should be provided to KCMEO full time staff about follow-up/what has been done with a case? (check all that apply)

If NOK has been notified/who you tried to contact

If medical records are needed, where should they be requested from

If a physician needs to be contacted

Any body holds or specimen holds

When obtaining information about a fall/injury that may have been contributing to death, which information is important to obtain? (Check all that apply)

Where did the fall happen?

When did the fall happen?

Was the fall witnessed?

Mobility status prior/post fall

Any hospital stays or rehabilitation facilities post injury

All of the above