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[The practice of medical postmortem examination].
B Vennemann1, A Du Chesne, B Brinkmann
1Institut für Rechtsmedizin, Universität Münster. vennemann@gmx.de
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|July 12, 2001
Summary
External examination of corpses is often inadequate, with many doctors not fully undressing bodies. This compromises the detection of unnatural causes of death and highlights the need for standardized forensic examination protocols.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Medicine
- Medical Quality Assurance
- Public Health
Context:
- External examination of corpses is a critical step in determining the cause of death.
- Previous studies have indicated variability and potential deficiencies in current practices.
- This study investigates the practical performance of external examinations by medical practitioners.
Purpose:
- To assess the quality and consistency of external corpse examinations in medical practice.
- To identify factors influencing the determination of the manner of death.
- To provide data for improving the quality of post-mortem external examinations.
Summary:
- A questionnaire survey of 289 medical practitioners revealed that only 25% completely undressed bodies during external examination.
- Nearly 50% reported being influenced by third parties (e.g., police) when determining the manner of death.
- Medical practitioners, particularly internists, frequently misclassified manner of death in presented case studies.
Impact:
- Incomplete external examinations risk missing signs of unnatural death.
- External influences can compromise objective determination of the manner of death.
- Recommendations include complete body undressing, classifying uncertain cases as such, and considering specialized practitioners for forensic examinations.