Engelsk titel: Contact with relatives after forensic autopsies
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Författare:
Teklay B
;
Wiwwe LB
;
Lange Thomsen J
Email: jthomsen@health.sdu.dk
Språk: Dan
Antal referenser: 15
Dokumenttyp:
Artikel
UI-nummer: 05011903
Sammanfattning
Introduction: The forensic pathologist does not have a formal obligation to inform the relatives of a person on whom an autopsy has been performed of the autopsy findings. This is not satisfactory, and it was the purpose of the present investigation to determine the number of relatives who asked for information in order to estimate the need for this type of information and to suggest a practical arrangement. Materials and methods: 380 consecutive autopsies during a two-year period were reviewed to determine the number of cases in which the relatives had asked for information. The type of information requested was also noted. Results: In 107 cases (28%), the relatives or their physician contacted the Institute of Forensic Medicine to obtain information. In all cases they wanted information about the cause of death, and in 24% of the cases they also asked if the deceased had suffered. In only 6% did they ask for information about hereditary diseases. Discussion: It is obvious that the relatives have a need for information. We have experienced many cases of relatives who had waited very long for this type of information, believing that it would be sent to them automatically. We suggest that clinics be established in every institute of forensic medicine with the purpose of offering information to the relatives in the form of conversations after a well-defined period of time after the autopsy. This arrangement must include an increased level of knowledge among the forensic profession, and it is recognized that they will have to be further educated in this subject.