The meta-autopsy: changing techniques and attitudes towards the autopsy

The contribution of new techniques to the performance, evaluation and future development of the autopsy as a quality assurance technique are reviewed. Particular emphasis is placed upon psychological techniques and studies that attempt to delineate the attitudes of those concerned with autopsies in various capacities including: medical students; junior doctors; senior clinicians; trainee pathologists and Coroners and their officers. The conclusions are considered in the light of the continuing decline in "hospital" autopsy rates.