GPs responsibilities:
A doctor involved in the care of a person either routinely or by way of OOH provision has a duty of care to support the family and colleagues who are caring for that patient.
This often arises when someone is dying and more so now during Covid19. Whilst anyone competent can confirm an expected death, there has been a long history of GPs doing this during the in and out of hours period.
Although a GP does not have to attend to verify or confirm a death has occurred, they do need to support their healthcare/ funeral colleagues and the family to allow verification of death.
This means that for adults where the death is expected, (there is a DNAR in place and there has been GP involvement in care) the process is seamless and without any undue upset.
Therefore, to avoid an unnecessary visit by the GP for verification of death purposes, a GP has the option of supporting this process remotely.
But before they do this, GPs must confirm to their colleague/ the relative that:
1. They are happy to support the process and the recognition that the expected death has occurred – see attached guidance from BMA/RCGP
2. They will write the death certificate
3. Explain any queries about the cause of death if they will be writing the certificate
Having up to date Co-ordinate My Care documentation is essential
This support can take the form of a phone call or video consultation.
Where the GP does not feel able to support the relative/ colleague or the relative/ colleague does not feel comfortable in verifying the death, the GP visit to confirm the death themselves.
If they have any further concerns, they should escalate the matter e.g. with a senior colleague or the Police.
Where the GP is an OOH Dr, they will need to advise the relative that they should contact their GP practice the next working day and that the death certificate (during Covid19 Pandemic) will be submitted to the registrar.
The Registrar will then contact the family directly.
Please refer to the links below for current government guidance and procedural steps from BMA/ RCGP as well as the ELHCP flow chart attached.
https://www.bma.org.uk/media/2323/bma-guidelines-for-remote-voed-april-2020.pdf