Forensic radiography services: The experiences of radiographers and forensic pathologists in Nigeria

Radiographers can play an essential role within forensic teams and contribute by producing high quality images. There are several aspects of forensic imaging, these commonly include but are not limited to imaging as part of post-mortem investigations, evaluation of non-accidental injuries and the identification of the presence of illicit drugs. In some countries radiographers perform post-mortem imaging before conventional autopsy, a practice that needs to be advanced in less developed countries. In this study, we explored experiences, attitudes and knowledge of radiographers' and forensic pathologists’ in delivering forensic radiography services in Nigeria. A qualitative exploratory descriptive study was undertaken. Three focus group interviews were conducted with 14 radiographers and five forensic pathologists. Participants were recruited through purposive sampling from two government owned tertiary hospitals in Lagos-State, Nigeria. Focus groups were audio recorded and lasted approximately 1 h. Data were thematically analysed and managed using the Atlas Ti computer software. Forensic pathologists and radiographers perceived forensic radiography differently. Radiographers reported a reluctance to take images of deceased people and were generally not aware of medicolegal issues involved in performing forensic examinations. Three themes emerged in the study, namely participants' experiences in forensic radiography, participants' knowledge of forensic radiography principles and guidelines, and participants’ attitude towards forensic radiography services. Improving forensic radiography services is likely to require development of postgraduate curricula in forensic radiography and a fellowship curriculum in radiography for forensic pathologists. This paper argues that, for radiographers to produce high quality diagnostic images that can assist the forensic team in medico-legal investigations subspecialisation in the field of forensic radiography would be advantageous.