Knowledge and attitudes of Polish prosecutors and general Polish population in regard to post-mortem computed tomography in 2019

Abstract

Post-mortem computer tomography (PMCT) is an imaging technique that is gaining popularity both worldwide and in Poland. It provides certain benefits in death investigation that a conventional autopsy is not able to, however, it has significant limitations. As PMCT and post-mortem computed angiography (PMCTA) continue to develop in this country, it is critical to become aware what people know and think about these imaging techniques, especially the prosecutors who officially order such examinations to be performed. In 2019, two concurrent surveys were administered to Polish prosecutors and general Polish population, respectively, regarding their current knowledge and opinions on PMCT. The results were collected both online and on paper, and then subjected to analysis. In total, 92 prosecutors and 227 non-prosecutors responded to the survey. The present authors observed that while prosecutors were more likely to have heard of this examination than the general public, their knowledge was often inadequate or incorrect. Conventional autopsy was still held as the gold standard in death investigation. However, a good popular sentiment towards PMCT was shown, and a desire to learn more about it – not just among prosecutors, but among the general public as well. The present authors’ recommendation is that more courses and training should be organised for Polish prosecutors to compensate this knowledge gap.