To the Editor: In late 1998, a clinical audit in the Thoracic Division of the Prince Charles Hospital found the autopsy rate was 7% of all patients who died in the Division (excluding Palliative Care) for the 12 months to September 1998. Following discussions and acknowledgement of the importance of hospital autopsy as a clinical audit tool, the Division's policy to consider an autopsy in all patients who died was reinforced. Registrars were educated in seeking approval and in counselling relatives.
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- The Prince Charles Hospital, Chermside, QLD 4032
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