Arrhythmias & electrophysiology
Family Members’ Experiences Communicating With Coroners in Suspected Hereditary Sudden Cardiac Death Cases: A Mixed Methods Study in Canada
Authors' conclusion
Findings emphasize the need for coroners to use empathetic approaches and provide timely, clear information. Addressing communication gaps may better meet the needs of grieving SCD families.
Study context
- Population
- Family members of sudden cardiac death (SCD) victims aged 2 to 70 years who died in 2021 from a potentially heritable cardiac condition and were investigated by the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario (Canada)completed the web-based survey, invitations sent to 126 family members of 115 SCD victims, interviewed a subset of 17 participants · survey 50 · interviews 17
- Participants
- 50 members
Methodological detailsweb survey and telephone interview, descriptive statistics, thematic analysis
- Web survey and telephone interview
- Descriptive statistics
- Thematic analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Mode of initial communication
By phone
n=30, 60%
In-person
n=13, 26%
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Timeline for death investigation results
- Received a timeline for death investigation results
- n=39; 78%
- Did not receive results within the expected timeframe
- 16 (32%)
Interview themes
- Effective communication described as clear, with the coroners’ demeanor being important, in particular, perceived as kind, accessible, and approachable
- When communication needs went unmet, families relied on external support networks (outside of the coroner system) to fill information gaps
- Suggestions for improved communication included repeating information and using multiple communication modes to enhance understanding
Original publication
Family Members’ Experiences Communicating With Coroners in Suspected Hereditary Sudden Cardiac Death Cases: A Mixed Methods Study in Canada. Circ Popul Health Outcomes. Published 30 April 2026. doi:10.
Summarised from the published abstract; every number is checked against it