Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 10, 2026
09:41
Comprehensive Autopsy Program for Individuals with Multiple Sclerosis
Published on: July 19, 2019
[Decline in hospital autopsies]
Ellen Berget1, Maria Ramnefjell, Elisabeth Berge Svendsen
1Avdeling for patologi, Haukeland Universitetssjukehus.
Summary
The 2004 autopsy regulation decreased autopsy rates and increased consent denial. However, regular reminders and altered autopsy routines significantly reduced report completion times, improving efficiency in forensic pathology.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Medical Regulations
- Healthcare Management
Context:
- Implementation of a new autopsy regulation in April 2004 mandated informing next of kin about autopsies and their right to deny consent.
- This study evaluates the regulation's impact on autopsy volume and explores methods to optimize autopsy report turnaround times.
Purpose:
- To document the effect of the 2004 autopsy regulation on the number of autopsies performed.
- To determine if regular reminders and modified autopsy procedures can decrease the time required for completing autopsy reports.
Summary:
- The study observed a decrease in the annual autopsy rate from 39% to 31% following the regulation, with a significant increase in consent denial.
- Monthly reminders to pathologists reduced median autopsy report completion time from 58 to 38 days.
- Altering the autopsy routine decreased median report completion time from 46 to 14 days.
Impact:
- The findings suggest that improved communication with next of kin may increase autopsy rates.
- Simple interventions, such as regular reminders and procedural changes, can substantially shorten autopsy report turnaround times, enhancing the efficiency of the autopsy process.
