Réflexions sur la toilette mortuaire : retour vers un partage du rituel

Several members of a palliative care unit, four nurses, a nurse's assistant, a psychologist and a physician, discussed mortuary rites and rituals performed when preparing the corpse of a deceased patient. What was the purpose of this discussion? When a patient dies at the XXX Hospital Center, the nursing staff has to prepare the corpse and provide support for the family. Generally, in the hospital setting, after death, the corpse is transferred to the mortuary where it is prepared for the last rites. In the palliative care unit however, the corpse is prepared for the last rites by a nurse and nurse's assistant, or more frequently by two nurse's assistants. At the XXX Center, the corpse is prepared by a nurse and a nurse's assistant. Four months ago, the palliative care unit head physician and psychologist proposed that the nursing staff share this activity with the family, recognizing that preparing a corpse is not an ordinary care event. The majority were shocked by the idea, nevertheless, several nurses had already thought about it. From this point, further reflection ensued concerning the functions fulfilled by the preparation of the corpse, its significance, the different ways it could be performed, the past experience of the staff, the possibility of sharing this part of the mortuary rites with the family… A large amount of material was collected. The search was fruitful, stimulating rich exchange. Nevertheless, in order to present a pertinent discourse, it was decided to limit this presentation to answering the following questions. How were corpses prepared in Lower Brittany in the early 20th century? What are the current practices in hospitals? Would inviting the family to participate in the preparation of the corpse facilitate the grieving process? What would be the usefulness and limitations? What would be the best way to share this ritual?