The Quality of Coronial Autopsy Reports in Australia an Analysis of 421 Cases

Abstract

The quality of Australian coronial autopsy reports was examined in relation to the 446 coronial deaths included in a previously defined study population of deaths.¹ All deaths were of men aged between 20 and 40 years and occurred between 1967 and 1981. Using defined criteria, reports were graded as excellent, good, fair or poor. Less than half of the reports were graded excellent or good, although quality varied widely with State where autopsy was performed, pathological training of the autopsist and type of institution where the autopsy was performed. Standard of reports showed little variation in relation to cause of death or year of death. Suggestions are included for improving standard and uniformity of Australian autopsy reports.