[Postmortem service in the Russian Federation (state-of-the-art and trends)]

Area of Science:

• Pathology
• Public Health Administration
• Medical Forensics

Background:

• The Ministry of Health and Social Development has appointed principal pathologists for federal districts.
• A working group, including Moscow and St. Petersburg pathologists, was formed to develop postmortem study standards.
• The role of principal pathologists in federal districts, republics, territories, and regions is crucial for healthcare oversight.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish national standards for postmortem studies.
• To coordinate and analyze the activities of the country's postmortem services.
• To outline the results, shortcomings, and trends of postmortem services in Russia from 2000-2005.

Main Methods:

• Appointment of principal pathologists at federal and regional levels.
• Formation of a working group to develop standards and coordinate services.
• Analysis of data from postmortem services over a 6-year period (2000-2005).

Main Results:

• Principal pathologists appointed for all federal districts, Moscow, and St. Petersburg.
• A working group established with the objective of developing standards and coordinating postmortem services.
• Presentation of key results, shortcomings, and trends in Russian postmortem services (2000-2005).

Conclusions:

• The establishment of principal pathologists and a dedicated working group is essential for improving national postmortem services.
• A federal organizational-and-methodical center for postmortem studies is recommended.
• The findings highlight the need for continued development and standardization of forensic pathology services in Russia.