Improving the knowledge of clinical forensic medicine among medical graduates: Perspectives of community-service doctors

Abstract

Since the beginning of mankind there has been a need for clinical forensic medical services: 'Cain overpowered Abel and killed him' (Genesis 4:8, New International Version Bible). Clinical forensic medicine (CFM) applies knowledge from all specialties of medicine for the administration of justice in courts of law, [1,2] thereby acting as a link between medical practice and the law. Because all practising physicians, regardless of specialty, are often required to evaluate CFM cases, increasing scrutiny by the judicial system demands that medical graduates/students undergo satisfactory training in CFM and are informed regarding the consequences of their practices, not only on health, but also in the legal, social and economic domains, as the consequences relate to the rights and quality of life of their patients. [3] We previously demonstrated that some community service doctors (CSDs) lack the required competence to assess and document medicolegal findings relating to rape/sexual assault, [4] inebriated drivers, [5] and common physical assault. [6] These findings revealed a consequential gap in the cognisance and adeptness of medical graduates regarding the practice of clinical forensics, and the necessity for a revised curriculum for CFM to address the inadequacies of undergraduate medical training programmes. We present the perspectives of the abovementioned CSDs on how knowledge of medical graduates of CFM can be improved. Methods This research was designed as a descriptive study that made use of a questionnaire survey to gather qualitative data from 150 CSDs. Instrument Data were collected using a structured, self-administered questionnaire distributed electronically to participants via the EvaSys electronic survey system (Electric Paper, Germany). It comprised open-ended questions that allowed participants to suggest how medical graduates' knowledge of CFM can be increased.

Level of Knowledge, Interest, and Perception of Clinical Rotation Students Regarding Forensic Medicine and Medicolegal Science

“…Respondents also perceive that it is necessary to add education and training programs on FMMS in higher education. This is in line with the research conducted by Fouche, et al 39 that there is a need for additional exposure to integrate the theory and practice of forensic medicine at the undergraduate level. The exposure increases the medical graduates' knowledge, given many cases involved will be faced when they become a doctor later.…”

“…The exposure increases the medical graduates' knowledge, given many cases involved will be faced when they become a doctor later. 39 In addition, respondents also considered that forensic medicine and medicolegal specialists have good career prospects and are on par with other specialities.…”

Student Experience in Creating Simulation Videos of Expert Witness Testimony in Court: From the Theory to Practice

“…Crime is a term used when referring to a potential offence in human interaction which triggers the development of forensic medicine. 1 The word "forensic" comes from Latin term "Forum" which means "market" that was used as a court place in ancient Roman era. Forensic medicine is a branch of medical science that uses science and technology to assist law enforcement and justice.…”