Introduction
In the realm of forensic pathology, the role of Medical Examiners and Coroners (ME/Cs) is pivotal, especially when dealing with highly infectious decedents. A recent study titled "U.S. Medical Examiner/Coroner capability to handle highly infectious decedents" sheds light on the current capabilities and challenges faced by ME/C offices across the United States. This blog aims to distill the key findings of this research and offer actionable insights for practitioners to enhance their skills and improve outcomes.
Understanding the Current Landscape
The study involved a comprehensive survey of ME/C offices, revealing that less than half of the respondents had experience handling suspected or confirmed highly infectious remains. The survey highlighted significant gaps in training, infrastructure, and standardized protocols, which are critical for safely managing these cases.
Key Findings and Recommendations
1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Utilization
Data indicated that PPE usage varied significantly between standard duties and those involving highly infectious remains. While there was an increase in the use of higher-level PPE such as N95 respirators and powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) for infectious cases, the overall training on donning and doffing PPE was insufficient. Practitioners are encouraged to advocate for more comprehensive and standardized PPE training to ensure safety and compliance with best practices.
2. Biosafety Infrastructure
The lack of Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) facilities in most ME/C offices poses a significant challenge. Practitioners should push for investments in infrastructure that meets the necessary biosafety standards. Alternatively, establishing partnerships with facilities that have the required capabilities can be a pragmatic interim solution.
3. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
The study found that many offices lacked updated SOPs for handling highly infectious remains. Practitioners should work towards developing and implementing SOPs that adopt an all-hazards approach, integrating evidence-based practices and ensuring alignment with local health departments and other stakeholders.
4. Training and Education
There is a critical need for standardized education and training modules focused on handling highly infectious remains. Practitioners can benefit from online learning platforms that offer cost-effective and convenient training solutions, ensuring that all staff are adequately prepared for these scenarios.
Conclusion
Enhancing the capabilities of ME/C offices to handle highly infectious decedents is essential for public health and safety. By addressing the gaps identified in this study, practitioners can improve their preparedness and response to infectious disease outbreaks. For those interested in delving deeper into the research, the original paper provides a comprehensive analysis and can be accessed here.
