The use of a template for forensic medical examinations for fitness to detain and interview and its potential as a basic research tool

The use of a template for forensic medical examinations has supporters and detractors. However, like the check list of a any pilot before take-off, it does provide a reasoned certainty that a good one, if properly followed, will at least prevent most errors of omission. It has the added advantage of uniformity and can thus be used in retrospect as a research tool either by the person who attended or by others since, as a form of tick-box exercise, the clarity and legibility are not compromised. This is of prime importance when dealing with people who have chaotic life styles and will very often be untruthful to the doctors attending them for a variety of reasons. A section on drugs and alcohol is essential. The legibility of doctor's writing has long been infamous and in a forensic medical situation this is no longer acceptable or in any other medical situation for that matter. As the General Medical Council (the regulatory body of medical practitioners in the UK) is at pains to stress, we owe our patients a duty of care which includes ensuring we have appropriate and legible notes. It is essential in court or other proceeding to confirm that a proper examination was carried out. This report shows the evolution of a template developed by one forensic physician practising in London, UK (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd and Faculty of Forensic and Legal Medicine. All rights reserved.