Courting disaster? A survey of the autopsy service provided by district surgeons in Kwazulu-Natal.
OBJECTIVE
To provide information on the overall quality of the autopsy service provided by district surgeons in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and in particular to identify factors which may have a negative impact on the judicial process.


METHODS
Confidential questionnaires were sent to 73 district surgeons and 216 legal practitioners including prosecution advocates, regional court prosecutors, defence advocates and attorneys. One hundred and twenty (43%) replies (47 doctors and 73 lawyers) were suitable for analysis.


RESULTS
District surgeons have no shortage of experience or maturity but their performance is hampered by the following: lack of appropriate training in forensic pathology; high case load; inadequate facilities and support staff; and lack of access to ancillary services.


CONCLUSIONS
This study has shown that the standard of autopsy services by district surgeons varies considerably. Overall, there is evidence that inadequacies on the part of district surgeons have negative repercussions for the criminal justice system. Urgent attention should be given to implement training programmes for the district surgeons and to improve service conditions.
Dada
M A
MA
Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Natal, Durban, South Africa.
Clarke
J E
JE
D000328:Adult; D001344:Autopsy / Q000592:standards*; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004282:Documentation; D005104:Expert Testimony; D005554:Forensic Medicine / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011787:Quality of Health Care; D013019:South Africa