Consenting recently bereaved adults for post mortem research: An evaluation of ethical considerations

Abstract Aim To present an evaluation of ethical considerations, which have been identified whist working as a trial consenter, undertaking prospective telephone consenting for post-mortem CT research and associated minimally invasive procedures. Methods The Local ethics committee, research and development office, and local HM coroners gave their permission for the families of the deceased, in cases where a 'routine' coroner's autopsy had been authorised, to be approached for their consent to PMCT research and associated minimally invasive procedures being investigated before and during autopsy examination. The trial consenter telephones the next of kin, discusses the nature of the study aiming to obtain verbal informed consent for research procedures. The concepts of 'the consenter as the consenting tool' and 'therapeutic use of self' are drawn on to gain consent using a flexible interview style. Working in this way with recently bereaved relatives raises ethical considerations. These are evaluated. Conclusions This review shows that prospective consenting for HM coroners' cases to be used for post mortem research is ethically appropriate given that ethical guidelines and principles are considered and upheld.