title: Comparative Analysis of the Public Health Role of Two Types of Death Investigation Systems in Texas: Application of Essential Services.
abstract: The purpose of this research was to assess the practices of death investigation agencies in Texas and to investigate the differences between justices of the peace (JPs) and medical examiner perceptions of their role and responsibilities. A survey was conducted in which justices of the peace and medical examiners (MEs) were questioned on their agency's policies and practices in regard to essential services provided using a recently published 50-item instrument subdivided into 10 essential services areas. The study used a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design in which nonparametric analysis was used to ascertain differences between groups. The sample size for analysis was composed of 10 (83%) ME offices and 112 (15.5%) JPs. This statewide study found significant differences between MEs and JPs. These differences reflect the variation in educational background, understanding and implementation of essential services, and the appreciation of the needs of a system to be both collaborative and independent.
authors: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing, 6901 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX.
authors: Stacy A
authors: SA
authors: Drake
authors: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing, 6901 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX.
authors: Stanley G
authors: SG
authors: Cron
authors: Texas Children's Hospital Houston, 6621 Fannin Street TXCH-A135, 77030, Houston, TX.
authors: Angelo
authors: A
authors: Giardino
authors: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Nursing, 6901 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX.|Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, 1885 Old Spanish Trail, Houston, 77054, TX.
authors: Vanessa
authors: V
authors: Trevino
authors: Office of the Medical Investigator, University of New Mexico School of Medicine, MSC07 40401 1 University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, 87131-0001.
authors: Kurt B
authors: KB
authors: Nolte
mesh_terms: D000068:Accreditation; D000288:Administrative Personnel; D003334:Coroners and Medical Examiners; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D044707:Forensic Sciences; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D024382:Professional Role; D011634:Public Health; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013781:Texas
keywords: essential services; forensic pathology; forensic science; justices of the peace; medical examiner; medicolegal death investigation system; public health