Personal computers in forensic psychiatry

Because forensic psychiatry is a relatively small field, there are few computer applications designed particularly for it. Forensic psychiatrists use personal computer in many ways that are similar to other psychiatrists, but certain aspects of forensic practice, such as an emphasis on precise reports, regular interactions with attorneys, use of legal databases and materials, and travel, call for utilizing available programs in different ways. Since forensic psychiatry draws on the knowledge of psychiatry, law, and criminology, the World Wide Web has become a particularly useful resource for information. An array of applications and resources of particular interest to forensic psychiatrists are presented. Computer education, "telemedicine," and teleconferencing are still in their infancy in forensic psychiatry, but are likely to increase in use as these technologies mature.