Forensic Cases in the Operating Room: Knowledge and Practices of Physicians and Nurses

The purpose of this study was to investigate physicians' and nurses' knowledge and practices regarding forensic cases in the operating room.

This is a descriptive study.

The sample consisted of 139 physicians and 59 nurses working in the operating rooms of a university hospital. Data were collected via a question form prepared by the researchers.

Approximately half of the physicians and nurses did not know whether a patient brought to the operating room was a forensic case. Most of the physicians and nurses working in the operating room felt their knowledge and practice regarding the preservation and storage of evidence in forensic cases was inadequate.

The results of this study highlight the necessity of an increased focus on forensic case process.