Retrospective Analysis of Forensic Cases Admitted to the Emergency Department of a Second Level Hospital

Objective: In this study, we aimed to examine the demographic and epidemiological characteristics of forensic cases admitted to the emergency department and the forensic reports prepared for these cases and compare them with the literature. Material and Method: This retrospective study was conducted in the emergency department of a secondary care hospital for a period of one month. Patients were grouped according to their application time; they were compared in terms of demographic characteristics, forensic report information, and clinical characteristics. Results: 848 patients were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 30.9±12.5 and most were male (79.5%). While the highest rate of patients was diagnosed with assault algebra (80.2%), the rate of issuing a final report was found to be higher (87.6%). It was determined that the fewest applications were made between 00:00-07:59. No statistically significant difference was found in the comparison of forensic case or forensic report characteristics according to application time (p=0.218). Conclusion: The number of applications as forensic cases is higher at certain times of the day. Since emergency departments provide uninterrupted service 24/7; emergency department physicians should continue the management of forensic cases regardless of the time of admission and show due care in preparing forensic reports.