PhD Defence Bartholomeus Godfried Helena Latten

Keywords: Autopsy, Quality of Care, Cause of Death, Postmortem Compute Tomography
 

"Autopsy …Lost in time? Have a look inside!"

This dissertation provides a comprehensive perspective on the ongoing relevance of clinical autopsies. It examines the factors affecting the decline in the number of autopsies and explores alternative research methods, such as radiology. Despite modern advancements in healthcare, the cause of death is still inaccurately determined in half of the investigated deceased. Post-mortem CT scans (PMCT) offer a feasible and valuable research method when used in conjunction with clinical autopsies. Although PMCT has limitations, it can provide significant information and can be used as an alternative when there is no consent for an autopsy. To improve the quality of care, we must investigate more deceased individuals. Finally, the dissertation advises on rethinking, modernizing, and improving autopsy practice, which is essential to restore this centuries-old but invaluable medical procedure.

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