Produce forensic images of the deceased

URN: SFHCI.O
Business Sectors (Suites): Clinical Imaging
Developed by: Skills for Health
Approved on: 2019

Overview

SFHCI.O SFHCI.O Forensic imaging is the undertaking of radiographic images in order to collect evidence to be presented in court, which may include the coroner's or procurator fiscal's courts. It includes the taking of conventional radiographic images and cross-sectional imaging This standard covers the forensic imaging of individuals who are deceased. The term individuals in this standard applies to both adults and children and young people. Users of this standard will need to ensure that


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

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  1. verify that appropriate authorisation has been given by the

    appropriate authority for imaging of the deceased

  2. ensure that confidentiality is maintained in relation to the present

    case under judicial consideration

  3. apply appropriate precautions for infection control and other

    appropriate health and safety measures

  4. undertake post-mortem imaging using the available imaging

    modality

  5. take account of the post-mortem changes that occur at various

    stages and adapt protocol and radiographic technique accordingly

  6. use appropriate cross-sectional imaging protocols optimised for

    post-mortem imaging

  7. note indications, signs of significance and preserve evidence

    which may assist to determine the cause and/or factors

    contributing to fatality

  8. identify post-mortem changes present on radiographic images

  9. apply correct procedures to maintain continuity of radiographic

    evidence from the start of the examination to its use in the court

  10. ensure that correct procedures are followed to maintain standards

    of digital evidence

  11. ensure that all necessary documentation is completed for the

    forensic radiographic examination

  12. produce written statements and contemporaneous notes that

    adhere to legal requirements

  13. record, collate and prepare appropriate information,

    documentation and images for transfer or storage according to

    local protocols


Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

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  1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role,

    the role of others in your organisation and the activities being

    carried out

  2. the relevant national and local standards, guidelines, policies,

    procedures and evidence-base that are available and how and

    when they should be accessed

  3. the legal requirements for radiographic images to be used in

    court

  4. the legal requirements for standards of digital evidence

  5. continuity of evidence, including authenticity and integrity of

    evidence, throughout the forensic radiographic examination

  6. the national guidelines for forensic radiographic imaging and how

    to implement these locally in forensic practice

  7. the documentation and processes required to maintain continuity

    of evidence

  8. the legal requirements of a written statement and

    contemporaneous notes

  9. the requirement for appropriate authorisation for forensic imaging

    purposes

  10. the present case under judicial consideration in relation to forensic

    radiographic imaging

  11. how to give evidence in court and the roles of expert witness,

    professional witness and witness

  12. the role of the coroner/procurator fiscal in the investigation of

    deaths

  13. the roles and responsibilities of the external agencies and health

    care practitioners in establishing a cause of death

  14. how forensic radiographic imaging is used in the investigation of

    deaths of individuals

  15. the role of post-mortem angiography and pulmonary ventilation in

    investigation of deaths

  16. health and safety requirements for post-mortem imaging

  17. infection control requirements for post-mortem imaging

  18. the psychological aspects of forensic imaging and the impact this

    may have on those involved in imaging of the deceased

  19. signs and symptoms of stress and how to minimise the risk of

    post-traumatic stress disorder on individuals

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  20. how to communicate with colleagues and agencies involved in the

    process of forensic imaging under current judicial consideration

  21. the limitations of your own knowledge and experience and the

    importance of operating within your scope of practice

  22. the medico-legal justification for the referral for forensic imaging

  23. the radiographic techniques for imaging post-mortem individuals

  24. image interpretation in relation to forensic imaging, crosssectional imaging and post-mortem appearances on forensic

    images

  25. the imaging modalities utilised in identification of the deceased for

    cause of death and identification purposes

  26. how to keep full, accurate and clear records in line with

    organisational procedures

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Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links

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This standard links with the following dimension within the NHS

Knowledge and Skills Framework (October 2004):

Dimension: HWB6 Assessment and Treatment Planning

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Version Number

1

Indicative Review Date

2024

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

Skills for health

Original URN

sfhci.o

Relevant Occupations

Health Professionals

SOC Code

2259

Keywords

Radiography; Forensic; Diagnostic; Clinical; Images; Deceased; Post mortem