Analysis of Awareness for Healthcare Professionals in Forensic Nursing

Abstract

The possibility of facing forensic cases among healthcare professionals is quite high. However, most of the time these forensic cases may be skipped due to lack of knowledge of healthcare professionals on these issues. This study is aimed to evaluate the level of knowledge of healthcare professionals in forensic nursing. Between February 2015-June 2015, in a public hospital in Istanbul, 56 healthcare professionals were asked to fill out open-ended questions to determine to what extent they pay attention to the processes and regulations in forensic nursing practices. The results, which were obtained in the light of the collected data, have been analysed. The level of knowledge of the healthcare professionals on the forensic nursing and its own process is insufficient. Knowledge of the healthcare professionals facing hospital forensic cases should be updated through in-service training programs. The results emphasized the need for continuing training in this area.

Forensic Cases in the Operating Room: Knowledge and Practices of Physicians and Nurses

“…Accordingly, most studies in the literature have been conducted with emergency service workers. 3,13,18 However, forensic cases may sometimes be sent directly from the emergency service to the OR, according to the seriousness of their injuries, 3,14,15 but there are few studies conducted with health care workers in the OR. This research demonstrates that most (70.7%) of the physicians and nurses had encountered forensic cases in the OR.…”

“…12,13 Some forensic cases presenting to emergency services are directed to the OR for emergency surgery according to the seriousness of the injuries with the legal processes continuing in the OR. 3,14,15 Emergency services mostly brings these patients to the OR in their clothes and without preparation in accordance with the seriousness of their condition. Foreign bodies that are often removed during surgery might be evidence.…”

“…Foreign bodies that are often removed during surgery might be evidence. 3,[14][15][16] At this stage, forensic surgery, which encompasses the removal of ballistic objects such as bullets, sharp weapons, etc., comes into prominence. 17 This specialty describes special procedures for removing, preserving, storing, and transferring these forensic specimens.…”

“…In addition, clothing may be very important for some police investigations in finding out the offender and/or victim information. 3 Therefore, the identification, preservation for the forensic process, storage, and later the transfer of materials which may be used as evidence are important in the OR as well. It is emphasized that OR nurses must ensure the secure collection and preservation of evidence to further this process.…”

“…1,6,15 Generally, most studies have been conducted with emergency service workers because of the forensic cases are encountered in emergency services most frequently. 3,13,18 Studies conducted with OR workers are lacking. With these reasons in mind, the purpose of this study was to (A) determine the level of knowledge and practices regarding the preservation and storage of evidence in forensic cases by physicians and nurses working in ORs; (B) assess rates of knowledge and practices regarding the preservation and storage of evidence in forensic cases by sociodemographic characteristics and profession; and finally, (C) determine the attitudes of physicians and nurses working in the OR toward forensic cases.…”