Streamlining the forensic autopsy

Abstract

SIGNIFICANCE : The forensic autopsy, in many respects, remains rooted in medieval practice. In today’s world of escalating caseloads, human resource shortages and increasing demands on forensic pathology services, this traditional model has become unsustainable. Forensic pathologists now face mounting fatigue and burnout, while institutions struggle with staff shortages and growing backlogs. In resource-constrained and resource-depleted environments, the challenge is not only to keep up with the workload but to preserve the integrity and quality of the forensic system itself. All this must be done while upholding standards and ensuring that the forensic autopsy is adequate.