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Computer-assisted systems for forensic pathology and forensic toxicology.
H Druid1, P Holmgren, P Löwenhielm
1Department of Forensic Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Journal of Forensic Sciences
|September 1, 1996
Summary
Swedish forensic pathology and toxicology units utilize RättsBASE (RB) and ToxBASE (TB) software for automated data management and nationwide statistics compilation. These integrated systems enhance efficiency and support detailed forensic investigations.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Science
- Medical Informatics
Background:
- Forensic pathology and toxicology units in Sweden previously lacked integrated data management systems.
- Manual data processing and statistical compilation were time-consuming and prone to errors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate RättsBASE (RB) and ToxBASE (TB), integrated software systems designed for forensic pathology and toxicology.
- To automate office procedures and enable comprehensive nationwide statistical analysis in forensic investigations.
Main Methods:
- Development of RB and TB using dBASE IV, based on staff specifications.
- Implementation of Novell Netware and ISDN for rapid inter-unit communication and data sharing.
- Configuration of software for processing extensive toxicological and autopsy data.
Main Results:
- Successful automation of offices and streamlined data compilation for forensic pathology and toxicology.
- Enabled rapid, nationwide statistical analysis, improving the efficiency of death investigations.
- Facilitated the creation of toxicology interpretation lists through integrated data processing.
Conclusions:
- RB and TB have significantly improved data management and statistical capabilities in Swedish forensic units.
- The integrated systems offer a wide spectrum of reports and enhance the evaluation of forensic efforts.
- Software configuration supports processing of large datasets, forming a basis for advanced toxicological analysis.