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October 15, 2025Open Access

Family Members' Experiences Communicating with Coroners in Suspected Hereditary Sudden Cardiac Death Cases: A Mixed Methods Study

Key Points

Effective communication led to greater satisfaction among family members of sudden cardiac death victims.
A majority of family members (60%) received initial communication from coroners via phone, showing a preference for direct contact.
While 78% were informed of investigation timelines, 32% did not receive results as expected, highlighting a need for timely updates.
Many families turned to external support networks to fill information voids, underscoring the importance of clear communication from coroners.

Abstract

Background: As SCD in the young can be caused by heritable cardiac conditions, up to 50% of family members may be at risk. Coroners are often responsible for communicating this risk, in addition to investigating the cause of death. Purpose: To explore how family members of SCD victims experience the type, timing, and suitability of communication with coroners about the cause of death and their own risk for SCD. Methods: We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed methods study. Eligible family members of SCD victims who died in 2021 from a potentially heritable cardiac condition and were investigated by the Office of the Chief Coroner of Ontario (Canada) were invited to complete a web survey and/or telephone interview. We used descriptive statistics to analyze the survey data and thematic analysis to analyze the interview data. Integration occurred at multiple levels. Results: We sent survey invitations to 126 family members of 115 SCD victims; 50 family members completed the web-based survey between September 2022 and February 2024. We interviewed a subset of 17 family members. Most participants received initial communication by phone (n=30, 60%) or in-person (n=13, 26%). While many participants (n=39; 78%) received a timeline of when to expect death investigation results, 16 (32%) did not receive results within the expected timeframe. Family members characterized effective communication as clear, with coroners being perceived as kind, accessible, and approachable. When communication needs went unmet, families relied on external support networks to fill information gaps. Suggestions for improved communication included repeating information and using differing modes of communication to enhance understanding. Conclusions: These findings emphasize the need for coroners to adopt empathetic approaches and to deliver information in a timely and clear manner. Addressing current gaps in communication may ensure the needs of grieving family members of SCD victims are met.

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