The Role of Periodic Mortality Case Review Sessions in a Primary Care Teaching Clinic

This study examines the value of mortality-case discussions in primary care clinics, by reviewing the data from the clinic death register, which includes age, gender, cause & place of death, relevant illnesses, & support provided to the patient before the death. The results show that 233 deaths occurred during 1998-2003. The median age was 80 years old. Topics discussed in the mortality review meetings include identifying pre-suicidal patients, dealing with the anger of bereaved families, & ensuring proper home care for terminal patients. (24 refs)