These resources were developed prior to the COVID 19 pandemic. Practitioners must therefore ensure they adhere to up to date infection prevention and control measures including  appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE). This can be found at:

https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/

Confirmation of Death: Learning resources to support practitioners

The following resources were developed in response to the Scottish Government’s Confirmation of Death by registered healthcare professionals in Scotland – a framework for implementation of DL (2017) 9. These learning resources were developed by the national expert working group led by NHS Education for Scotland, and are intended to support local training and preparation of registered healthcare professionals who will be undertaking the procedure to confirm death in any circumstance in Scotland.

Guidance and supporting resources for practitioners undertaking the Confirmation of Death procedure in Scotland

This resource contains the Confirmation of Death recording template (with link to enable you to download Word version), guidance to support healthcare practitioners completing the recording template, and frequently asked questions.  

It is recommended that you download this resource to enable access to the embedded links.

Click here to access the document.

Click here to access a print-friendly version of the document.

Confirmation of Death Pocket card

A prompt card with reminder of the key checks required to confirm death. 

To order copies of the pocket card please contact your board lead or email Publications@nes.scot.nhs.uk

Demonstration of the Confirmation of Death procedure in Scotland

This short film shows a practitioner undertaking the essential clinical examination procedure required to confirm death in Scotland. It also includes an outline of the responsibilities of the practitioner in relation to communication, documentation and referral.

This resource was developed prior to the COVID 19 pandemic. 

Practitioners undertaking the procedure to confirm death of people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19, must adhere to the up to date infection prevention and control measures which includes personal protective equipment (PPE). This can be found at: https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19/

A transcript of this video can be found here.