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.
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Acknowledgments
We would like to thank Randy Hanzlick, MD, past president of the National Association of Medical Examiners and the current chair of the organization’s data committee. We would also like to thank Lena Camperlengo, MPH, DrPH who assisted with the development of the study proposal.
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Supported in part by contract 200–2008-27,956 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Dr. Brustrom, Ms. Payn, and Mr. Rhoda were employed by Battelle while the CDC contract was being performed to collect the data used in this manuscript; the other authors have indicated they have no financial relationships relevant to this article to disclose.
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Cottengim, C., Parks, S., Rhoda, D. et al. Protocols, practices, and needs for investigating sudden unexpected infant deaths. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 16, 91–98 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-019-00196-1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-019-00196-1