Death scene investigation: parents’ experiences

Abstract

Abstract:This article presents the results of a study undertaken to evaluate how parents experience voluntary Death Scene Investigation (DSI) in their homes. In total, 35 parents were interviewed using semi-structured qualitative interview guidelines developed for this project. These focused on the parents': 1) appraisal of information provided prior to the DSI and motivation for participating in the study, 2) experience of, and reactions to the DSI, and 3) thoughts and reactions following the DSI. The evaluation shows that performing a DSI is an important part of providing good care for bereaved parents following Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. If such an investigation is undertaken by professionals with extensive professional knowledge and experience in meeting bereaved parents in an empathic and caring manner, it can be a positive experience for parents, and help support them in coping with the painful death of their infant. Keywords:Death scene investigation, autopsy, parents' experience The Institute of Forensic Medicine (IFM) at the University of Oslo argued for several years that omitting the DSI after SIDS would prevent vital information coming to light [1,2]. Finally, IFM was granted the permission to conduct DSI's on condition that it was followed by an evaluation [12]. As a context for the evaluation study we will explain the content of the DSI: FORENSIC SCIENCEThe DSI was undertaken one or two days following the sudden death of a child (and after the autopsy had taken place) by three different pathologists and a tactical investigator (project director) on leave from the NationalCriminal Investigation Service in Norway (Kripos). The following routine was observed: 1) After confirmation of the death of the child, information about the DSI as well as an invitation to participate in an evaluation of the project was provided by the local doctor at the receiving hospital. A mandatory autopsy of the child was then conducted, and the DSI was conducted for parents who had consented to it.2) The DSI consisted of the communication of preliminary results from the autopsy and a thorough interview with the parents about the events surrounding the death of their infant. In the interview, the condition of the infant prior to the death was established, and risk factors for SIDS were mapped. 3) In addition, a detailed and practical reconstruction of how the infant was placed in the bed and how he/she was found was undertaken and videotaped. For the reconstruction, a specially designed doll was used, which came in two sizes, one small, and one big, similar in weight and size to a real infant. The DSI team also devoted time to answering questions from the parents. For a more detailed description of the DSI, see Rognum et al. [12].

Distinct age‐related differences among victims in cases of suspected child abuse

“…Making it a statutory obligation to review the death of every child under the age of 4 years would increase the chances of obtaining corroborating evidence, correctly determining the cause of death and, furthermore, provide just treatment for both child and family. Additionally, the bereaved families could be supported in coping with the unexpected death of a child, as explained by Heltne et al 2016 [38].…”

Structural Bias in the Completeness of Death Investigations for Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDs)

“…It is also possible that investigators avoid performing doll reenactments because parents find them unpleasant. 35 Agencies that conduct death scene investigations should add these 2 items-a doll and a SUID investigative protocol form-to their required list of things to bring to an infant death investigation. In addition, death scene investigators should be specifically trained and prepared to walk a family through these procedures with sensitivity.…”

“…Both components are unique to infant death scene investigations and perhaps why they are more likely to be forgotten. It is also possible that investigators avoid performing doll reenactments because parents find them unpleasant 35. Agencies that conduct death scene investigations should add these 2 items—a doll and a SUID investigative protocol form—to their required list of things to bring to an infant death investigation.…”

Death‐scene investigations contribute to legal protection in unexpected child deaths in Norway

“…A study of the joint agency investigation in England shows that one of the elements the parents found most helpful was the information they were provided with during the home visit 14 . Norwegian studies also highlight the parents' appreciation of direct contact with the forensic pathologists who had first‐hand knowledge of their child`s case 12,15 . Garstang and Griffiths 16 have studied the experiences with joint medical and police home visits in England from the professional's perspective, and conclude that all professionals who took part strongly preferred joint home visits to solo police visits.…”