Using forensic autopsies to teach advanced pathophysiology

Forensic autopsies can be used to help teach advanced pathophysiology. Currently, most faculty use commercially available slides and overheads, but these are poor substitutes for actual tissue, organs, and systems. Student participation in cadaver dissections or observation of hospital autopsies may be preferable, but these options are not always available in many schools of nursing. The forensic autopsy, however, allows students to directly observe a variety of pathologies and their sequelae, while exploring the multiplicity of factors that contribute to a person's death. In addition, students enhance their physical assessment skills and learn forensic content that can be applied to nursing practice. Bringing such real-world experiences to lectures and student assignments encourages these adult learners to actively participate in the integration of pathophysiology theory with autopsy observations.