Delivering the news of an intraoperative death; literature-based guidance from the American Association for Thoracic Surgery Wellness Committee

OBJECTIVES: Fortunately, operating room deaths and unexpected deaths are infrequent occurrences. However, when they occur, the surgeon is called upon to deliver this news to family and loved ones. There is a paucity of literature on this topic and little guidance preparing cardiothoracic surgeons for this important but difficult situation. Furthermore, the surgeon may very well lack previous experience with this challenging situation. Having contemplated this in advance and having a script in mind will likely benefit both the surgeon and family.

METHODS: The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Wellness Committee called upon the available published literature, consultation with experts, and upon their collective experience and cumulative wisdom to address this topic.

RESULTS: The result of this process is a narrative discussion of delivering news of an unexpected death and a bullet point guide to speaking with the bereaved family.

CONCLUSIONS: In this stressful situation, precontemplation of the surgeon's duties and being armed with a bullet point guide may benefit the surgeon, family, and heath care team. The lessons learned may be applicable to other situations requiring the delivery of distressing information.