Factors Influencing the Initiation Time of Forensic Psychiatric Assessment of Criminal Cases in Hunan Province / 法医学杂志

Objective To discuss the related factors influencing the initiation time of forensic psychiatric assessment by analysis of the initiation time of forensic psychiatric assessment of criminal cases in Hunan Province. Methods Related data in assessment files of criminal cases accepted by 8 forensic psychiatric assessment institutions in Hunan Province from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2016 were extracted. The Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing the initiation time of forensic psychiatric assessment. After using property score matching （PSM） to control the influence of confounding factors, the efficiency of public security organs to initiate assessments of suspects with （without） mental disorders and with （without） responsibilities were compared. Results A total of 4 346 cases were included. The Logistic regression analysis suggested that the factors independently related to the initiation time of assessment include： cause of assessment, nationality of the assessed, history of diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, history of crimes, history of drug abuse, and status of alcohol consumption before the crime （all P<0.05）. The initiation time of assessment of suspects diagnosed with mental disorder was shorter than those with none （P<0.05）; the initiation time of assessment of suspects without criminal responsibility was shorter than those with responsibility （P<0.05）. After using PSM to control confounding factors, the differences above still existed. Conclusion The cause of assessment, nationality of the assessed, history of diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses, history of crimes, history of drug abuse, and status of alcohol consumption before the crime are factors that influence the efficiency of public security organs to initiate forensic psychiatric assessments. Under the current assessment initiation mode, forensic psychiatric assessment of suspects who have mental disorders, especially those with no responsibility may be given priority to initiate.

Analysis of Medical Malpractice Claims and Future Object in the Emergency Department

BACKGROUND: lawsuits associated with medical troubles are increasing rapidly. Beginning with 69 cases in 1989, the annual rate of increase has reached above 36%. After the system of emergency medical specialist was born in 1995, it was expected that medical lawsuit cases would increase due to the importance of the emergency medical specialist's role to the emergent patients. METHODS: A database was established for medical lawsuits(1982~1998, n=254), and lawsuits involving the emergency department(1982~1998, n=16) were selected from that database. RESULTS: In criminal cases, the prosecutor's win rate was one out of four(25%). In civil cases, the prosecutor's win rate was 8 out of 10(80%); that is, the rate was higher than in general medical cases. CONCLUSION: To reduce the number of lawsuit following medical troubles in the emergency department, we should give careful attention and appropriate cure to patients who visit the emergency center.