Exploring the experiences, attitudes and knowledge of radiographers and forensic pathologists regarding forensic radiography services in Lagos state, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction

Forensic radiography is both a vital tool and a subspecialty in forensic medicine. It can be used to complement autopsy findings and reveal minor injuries overlooked during autopsy. It is also an important tool used in the identification of the dead and for establishing abuse in the living. In the United States of America, one million abuse cases are resolved annually using medical imaging. The Nigerian National Bureau of Statistics has reported a high crime rate in Lagos State and forensic radiography could be used to resolve non-accidental injury and other criminal cases.

Aim of the study

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the experiences, attitudes and knowledge of radiographers and forensic pathologists regarding forensic radiography services rendered in Lagos state, Nigeria. The study aimed to identify the reasons that led to radiographers being reluctant to perform forensic radiographic examinations.

Methodology

A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive study design was used to explore the experiences, attitudes and knowledge of radiographers and forensic pathologists regarding forensic radiography services. The population and sampling were determined by the numbers of radiographers and forensic pathologists employed in two government-owned tertiary institutions in Lagos state. The researcher used purposive sampling to gain a deeper understanding of the real-life experiences of the participants regarding forensic radiography services in Lagos. Focus group interviews were conducted with radiographers and forensic pathologists who work in the two government-owned tertiary teaching hospitals. Participation was voluntary and consent forms were signed by all participants before the commencement of the study. The interviews were audio-recorded and later transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used for the identification of codes and categories.

Results

The following themes emerged: good and bad experiences of forensic radiographers, varying inadequate knowledge of forensic radiography, different attitudes towards forensic radiography, description of radiographers’ roles on forensic medicine teams, and recommendations for improvements of forensic radiography in Lagos state.

Discussion

The findings showed that in Lagos, forensic radiography was underutilized to resolve civil and criminal cases, and that there is need to improve the quality of forensic radiography services in Lagos state. Radiographers need to show more commitment in the aspect of postmortem imaging

Conclusion

It was concluded that the government should provide equipment and infrastructure for forensic radiography in Nigeria, specifically in Lagos state. Further research needs to be done to develop a curriculum in forensic radiography. Nigerian universities should introduce forensic radiography courses at undergraduate level and specialist training at postgraduate level.