Opinions of Forensic Specialists on Working Conditions and Professional Practices in Our Country-Survey Study

Abstract

Objective:The study was planned with the aim of investigating the opinions and experiences of forensic medicine specialists working under the roof of universities, Forensic Medicine Institute and Ministry of Health in our country on working conditions and professional practices.Methods:This study, which was planned as a questionnaire, was applied to 100 forensic medicine specialists who gave online consent between 15-25 January 2021, coinciding with the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic period.Results:The fact that the Ministry of Health group was 53% and the proportion of forensic medicine specialists in the relatively young age group (50 years and younger) was 86% among the groups participating in the survey, made us think that this group may reflect the problems and working conditions more. It has been observed that the Forensic Medicine Institute group workes in better conditions compared to other groups (Ministry of Health and University) in terms of economic and working environment.Conclusion:The results of the study revealed that there is an unplanned workforce in the field of forensic medicine in our country, there are working conditions and economic injustice between institutions and it needs to be corrected urgently. It has been clearly seen that there is uncertainty in the field in terms of being the responsible physician and physician in charge of the Child Monitoring Centers, and that this group of physicians, who have special knowledge and experience in the field of trauma, should be encouraged to this special area related to child abuse.

Keywords

• forensic medicine
• survey
• workforce planning