Global trends in the extent of death scene investigation performed for sudden and unexpected death of infant (SUDI) cases: A systematic review.
Sudden unexpected death of infants (SUDI) is the rapid and unexpected death of an infant aged less than 1year old. These deaths are referred for a medico-legal investigation to establish cause of death. National and regional protocols for the investigation of SUDI cases have been established in some countries and these typically include a death scene investigation component. However, there is a paucity of literature detailing the nature and extent of death scene investigation protocols. A systematic review was conducted to review the scope of death scene investigation of SUDI cases worldwide. Relevant articles (n=74) were identified by searching four literature databases, three discipline-specific journals, as well as each article's reference list, until saturation was reached. Of the 16 countries represented by the included articles, seven made specific reference to the standardised protocol used, which included photography, interviews and/or scene re-enactments. The remaining 54 studies appeared to include a subset of these analyses during death scene investigation, which varied between countries, and between SUDI admissions. This may be attributed to the differing socio-economic standings of countries, and the resources available. Only four studies were from developing countries, three of which originated from South Africa. Overall, where a standardised death scene investigation was performed, it added value to the post-mortem investigation; as such, death scene investigation should be encouraged in SUDI investigation. To this end, protocols should be established nationally, and contain core analyses, which could be expanded depending on the needs and resources of the country.
['Bennett|Tracy|T|', 'Martin|Lorna J|LJ|', 'Heathfield|Laura J|LJ|']
D001512:Bedding and Linens D001835:Body Weight D019049:Developed Countries D003906:Developing Countries D004282:Documentation D005334:Fever D044707:Forensic Sciences D006798:Housing D006801:Humans D007223:Infant D008425:Maternal Behavior D016684:Prone Position D000070263:Sleep Hygiene D012907:Smoking D019966:Substance-Related Disorders D013398:Sudden Infant Death D013696:Temperature
Death scene investigation SUDI Medico-legal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Doll re-enactment SIDS