Problems and solution suggestions of autopsy assistants

Introduction and objective:. Forensic autopsy is a specialized postmortem examination that seeks answers to questions requested by legal authorities. Expert reports based on scientific data are of undeniable importance in the proper administration of justice, and forensic autopsies performed by knowledgeable and experienced specialist physicians reveal important data for ensuring justice. Autopsy assistants have an important role in the autopsy process as well as the doctor performing the autopsy. Autopsy Assistant Program is a 2-year associate degree program that trains professionals who will work with Forensic Medicine Specialists in Forensic Medicine Institutions and hospitals' autopsy units, who know autopsy techniques and the procedures to be performed on corpses and tissues after autopsy. The aim of our study is to improve the physical and psychological health of autopsy assistants by conducting a survey of autopsy assistants, obtaining information about autopsy assistants' physical working conditions, job security, workload and distribution, in-house communication, professional influence levels, etc., through statistical analysis, and providing solution suggestions for the detected problems. To determine the extra precautions that can be taken for the protection of autopsy, to reduce the risks of people participating in the autopsy process through the precautions that can be taken regarding infectious diseases, thus to prevent workforce loss and to ensure more effective protection of public health, to determine the task distribution and working order of autopsy assistants and to determine if there is a need for additional personnel, To help autopsy assistants work more effectively and motivated, and to minimize human errors that may occur during the autopsy process. Materials and methods: The sample of this study was selected among autopsy assistants actively working in any public institution. A scale form prepared via Google Form was sent to people working as autopsy assistants. An online information form was sent to the participants and a consent form was obtained. Data obtained from a total of 128 participants, 64 men and 64 women, were analyzed with the SPPS 26 program. Frequency and percentage distribution according to demographic variables are given. The level of statistical significance was defined as a = 0.05. Results: In our study, it is seen that overall satisfaction is at an average level according to the total scale score. When evaluated according to the average score in the scale sub-dimensions, it was found that the perception of communication between employees was the highest. It was determined that the perception of professional influence, perception of duty, authority and responsibility, perception of internal communication, and perception of workplace conditions were at a medium level compared to the scale score average. Conclusion:. In our pilot study, it is predicted that autopsy assistants' job satisfaction will increase, occupational risks will decrease and contribute to employee and public health by improving internal communication, making changes in duties and responsibilities, reducing professional exposure and changing workplace conditions. Keywords: Autopsy Assistant, Forensic Medicine, Job Satisfaction