Statistical analysis of performance indicators of medical forensic departments of the FME bureaux in the Russian Federation

Abstract

This article presents the results of the study of the quantitative performance indicators of medical forensic departments of state forensic medical expert institutions in Russia as a whole and in individual federal districts from 2009 to 2018. Medical statistics methods were used. We analyzed absolute and intensive indicators, their percentages, and correlation relationships. Trends and patterns were studied to identify causal relationships and assess the effect of various factors. A steady trend of reducing the total number of expert examinations performed in the medical forensic departments was shown. However, their share of the total number of violent death cases is increasing. The labor intensity of medical forensic examinations and the number of examination methods used are increasing. Regional differences in the studied indicators are revealed. The presented metadata can be used to improve the workflow management of forensic medical departments and monitor the effectiveness of improvements. The findings confirm the need to modernize and adapt the regulatory and procedural framework of the expert work.