Post-mortem CT service structures in non-suspicious death investigations.

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Radiology
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Post-mortem CT (PMCT) is an emerging non-invasive tool in adult death investigations.
• PMCT addresses pathologist shortages and respects cultural sensitivities.
• Coronial jurisdictions face challenges like limited imaging access and dispersed mortuaries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review diverse service structures for PMCT.
• To highlight the importance of customizing PMCT services for specific coronial jurisdictions.
• To outline operational and reporting models for PMCT.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing PMCT service structures.
• Analysis of operational models (pathologist-led, radiologist-led, hybrid).
• Evaluation of CT unit types (static, relocatable, mobile) and resource utilization.
• Exploration of reporting structures (in-house, teleradiology, hybrid).

Main Results:

• Various PMCT service structures exist, requiring customization for local needs.
• Operational models include pathologist, radiologist, or hybrid leadership.
• CT unit options range from static to mobile, utilizing existing facilities.
• Reporting can be in-house, teleradiology-based, or a combination.

Conclusions:

• Customizable PMCT service structures are crucial for effective death investigations.
• Service models vary in efficiency, cost, data security, and implementation challenges.
• Real-world case studies offer practical examples for replication.