Developing a nursing protocol for the remote verification of an expected death

Background: Homecare nurses play an important role in end-of-life care. A protocol is needed for the remote verification of expected deaths using information and communication technologies (ICT), that is consistent with Japanese guidelines. Aim: To clarify the processes that nurses use to verify deaths and to develop a tentative nursing protocol for verifying expected deaths, using home-based ICT. Methods: Using literature and semi-structured interviews, a tentative nursing protocol was developed for verifying expected deaths using home-based ICT. Findings: To protect the dignity of patients and their families, it is important that their understanding and consent is provided for the remote verification of expected deaths. Furthermore, the up-to-date legal and ethical responsibilities of nurses should be discussed regarding the verification of a patient's death to provide the best care for the patients and families when implementing the Death Certification Using Information and Communication Technology (DCUICT). Conclusion: This suggested protocol offers a framework for a new delivery of nursing care. It provides guidance for homecare nurses organising the care processes and nursing roles of DCUICT. Further revisions to this protocol must incorporate the specific requirement for the verification of nurses.