Citation

Cottengim C, Parks S, Rhoda D, Andrew T, Nolte KB, Fudenberg J, Sens MA, Brustrom J, Payn B, Shapiro-Mendoza CK. Forensic Sci. Med. Pathol. 2019; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Affiliation

Maternal and Infant Health Branch, Division of Reproductive Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy, N.E. MS S107-2, Chamblee, GA, 30341, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s12024-019-00196-1

PMID

31741206

Abstract

Understanding case identification practices, protocols, and training needs of medical examiners and coroners (MEC) may inform efforts to improve cause-of-death certification. We surveyed a U.S.-representative sample of MECs and described investigation practices and protocols used in certifying sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUID). We also identified MEC training and resource needs. Of the 377 respondents, use of the SUID Investigation Reporting Form or an equivalent was 89% for large, 87% for medium, and 52% for small jurisdictions. Routine completion of infant medical history, witness interviews, autopsy, photos or videos, and family social history for infant death investigations was ≥80%, but routine scene re-creation with a doll was 30% in small, 64% in medium, and 59% in large offices. Seventy percent of MECs reported infant death investigation training needs. Increased training and use of standardized practices may improve SUID cause-of-death certification, allowing us to better understand SUID.

Language: en

Keywords

Autopsy; Coroner; Death scene investigation; Medical examiner; SIDS; SUID