Approaching the Utilization of Forensic Nurses in the Field of Medicolegal Death Investigation
Document Type
Poster
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Publication Date
2024
Abstract
The implementation of advanced practice forensic nurses (APFN) in the field of medicolegal death investigation is proposed as a project through collaborative efforts with local medical examiner offices and higher education institutions. Although there is limited research demonstrating the benefits of APFNs in death investigations, the available literature indicates their impact on the workload of forensic pathologists cannot be ignored. Literature reviewed for this project included studies that discussed the inclusion of an advanced practice professional in assisting with autopsies. The role of the APFN and the forensic pathologist were compared in an effort to highlight tasks that can be delegated. This implementation will allow the forensic pathologist to have more time to review histology, medical records, toxicology results, and autopsy results in order to determine an accurate final cause of death. The utilization of the APFN in death investigations may correlate with improving outcomes.
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