Evaluation of Cases With Forensic Qualifications Applying to The Emergency Service In A Hospital

Background: It is emphasized that children`s rights must be protected against all kinds of physical or mental assault, violence, abuse, neglect or abuse. However, one in every four children is exposed to neglect/ abuse at least once in their lifetime.

Objective: In this study, It was aimed to evaluate the cases with forensic qualifications who applied to the pediatric emergency department in a hospital.

Methods: The sample group of this descriptive study constitutes cases with forensic qualifications of Mersin Obstetrics, Gynecology and Pediatrics Hospital, Pediatric Emergency Service that were applied in January-April-July-October 2016. 5675 of them were cases with forensic qualifications. The data were collected between 01.11.2016-14.11.2016. The data of the study were obtained by examining the patient records at the indicated 4 months. Descriptive statistics (mean, percent) were used in the analysis of the data.

Results: 5675 (6.54%) of the 86752 applications made to the pediatric emergency department in the 4 months of 2016 constituted cases with forensic qualifications. The mean age of cases was 6.4±4.8 years (min=0, max=18). 60.3% of the cases were male. 6.2% of the cases were hospitalized. 8.5% of cases were reported as judicial cases. 75.8% of the cases were injured/falls, 6.7% poisoning, 5.3% burns, 3.8% foreign body ingestion, 2.9% animal bite, 2.8% cutter or penetrative tool injury, 1.4% traffic accidents, 0.4% electric shock, 0.4% neglect/exploitation, 0.3% strike, 0.1% water drowning and 0.1% suspicious death.

Conclusion: Approximately four-thirds of the cases were injuries and falls, followed by poisonings. In childhood, injuries and poisonings are important in terms of preventable health problems and being at the forefront of the causes of disability. All cases with forensic qualifications should be detected by the physician, forensic report should be prepared and necessary treatment and rehabilitation services should be presented to the children.