Forensic Examiner Technology to Enhance Documentation and Data Collection Standardization: A Narrative Review

Area of Science:

• Forensic Medicine
• Digital Health
• Public Health

Background:

• Interpersonal violence has wide-ranging negative impacts.
• Hospital settings are crucial for documenting injuries by forensic examiners.
• Current documentation practices may lack standardization and efficient information sharing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore technological solutions for enhancing forensic and medical evidentiary exam documentation.
• To identify methods for improving information-sharing in cases of interpersonal violence.

Main Methods:

• A narrative literature review was performed.
• Qualitative synthesis of 35 articles guided the findings.

Main Results:

• Digital technologies can improve documentation quality, standardization, and system integration.
• Trends in technology application for forensic documentation were identified.
• Resource limitations pose a barrier to implementation.

Conclusions:

• Standardized documentation through technology can enhance exam quality and patient care.
• Improved information sharing benefits patients holistically.
• Resource constraints are a significant barrier to adopting new technologies and standardized practices.