Forensic patients in the emergency department: Who are they and how should we care for them?

Violence and crime is escalating at alarming rates around the world. The World Health Organization cites violence and crime as the fourth leading cause of death amongst adults [1]. Many victims survive violent and criminal incidents with severe to minor injuries and most seek medical attention in emergency departments [2 –4]. Forensic patients are victims of violence and crime that require the involvement of the justice and healthcare systems due to the nature of their injuries [5]. Patients with traumatic injuries should therefore be treated as potential forensic patients until proven otherwise [6].
Source: International Emergency Nursing - Category: Nursing Authors: Source Type: research