Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
2
pubmed:dateCreated
2001-1-25
pubmed:abstractText
The autopsy rate has been declining worldwide for decades. This study determined the overall and differential autopsy rates for the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast for the years 1997-1999 inclusive. Trends were examined by comparison with previously collected data for the years 1990, 1991 and 1993. Reasons for the decline in autopsy rates as perceived by hospital clinicians were assessed by means of a questionnaire. Over the last decade, there has been a steady decline in the overall autopsy rate from 30.4% in 1990 to 18.4% in 1999. This is due to a decrease in the hospital autopsy rate from 21.6% in 1990 to 7.9% in 1999. The coroner's autopsy rate has remained comparatively unchanged at around 11%. The decline in the overall and hospital autopsy rates involves all of the principal bedholding directorates, but is most dramatic in medicine, surgery and intensive care, where hospital autopsy rates are currently 7% or less. The main reasons for this decline as perceived by clinicians are difficulty in obtaining consent from relatives and advances in modern diagnostic techniques. The findings of this enquiry are in keeping with trends elsewhere, despite repeated studies which clearly demonstrate the continuing value of the autopsy in clinical practice. Recent publicity concerning the retention of organs can only have an adverse affect. Pathologists and clinicians who value the autopsy must become actively engaged in both public and medical education. Renewed emphasis must be placed on the importance of the autopsy in teaching, training and clinically relevant research, and as a means of medical audit.
pubmed:commentsCorrections
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pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
IM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
Nov
pubmed:issn
0041-6193
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
69
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
83-9
pubmed:dateRevised
2009-11-18
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
2000
pubmed:articleTitle
The declining autopsy rate and clinicians' attitudes.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Pathology, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article