Indian Journal of Legal Medicine

Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) play pivotal roles in medical education, blending legal, toxicological, and medical jurisprudence aspects. Despite their signiÀcance, there's a scarcity of research on students' perceptions regarding FMT. Hence, evaluating medical students' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards FMT is imperative, along with assessing the impact of FMT training on their career inclinations.

Forensic trichology, the scientific study of human hair, has emerged as a valuable tool in criminal investigations. Hair evidence can provide essential information related to the identity of
suspects, linking them to crime scenes, and even revealing potential motives. This article delves into the advantages of forensic trichology, presents case scenarios highlighting its significance in real-life investigations, explores the methods used in the field, and discusses the current practices. Additionally, it examines the future scope of forensic trichology as advancements in technology and research continue to shape its potential. All information presented in this article is based on scientific literature and research in the field of forensic trichology.

Legal medicine relies on tort law to address civil wrongs in healthcare. Medical malpractice, informed consent violations, and negligence are common torts. They provide a legal framework for patients seeking redress due to harm caused by healthcare professionals' actions or negligence, ensuring accountability and upholding standards of care.
 

Mentoring in medical education has been going on globally over a long period of time. It has its own challenges and advantages. Since in the present day scenario the NMC has made it mandatory to implement mentoring, the challenge is now of handling a mandatory mentorship program. This review article explores the views and various aspects in relation to mentoring.
The conclusions seen are that mentoring is shown to be beneficial to both the mentees and mentors. However certain impediments like time constraints, difficulty in opening up, confidentiality may hinder its effectiveness. Peer assisted mentoring and use of exploratory sessions to find their specific needs can help in improving the quality of mentoring.
 

This abstract offers a comprehensive exploration of the often-overlooked role of clinical records in legal and forensic contexts. This review article navigates through the intricate
landscape of clinical documentation, unraveling its significance as a silent observer in healthcare settings. By examining the various forms of documentation, including electronic
health records, progress notes, and imaging reports, the article unveils how these records serve as critical pieces of evidence in legal proceedings, forensic investigations, and medical
malpractice cases.

Through a lens of forensic scrutiny, the article dissects the elements of effective documentation practices, emphasizing the importance of accuracy, completeness, and timeliness in capturing patient encounters. It illuminates the inherent challenges and pitfalls in documentation, such as ambiguity, bias, and discrepancies, which can have far-reaching implications in legal settings. Moreover, the article delves into the evolving landscape of digital documentation, exploring the opportunities and challenges posed by electronic health records systems in forensic analysis.

By elucidating the forensic implications of clinical documentation, the article underscores the dual role of healthcare providers as caregivers and custodians of evidence. It calls attention
to the ethical and legal responsibilities inherent in documenting patient care, highlighting the need for standardized protocols, ongoing training, and robust quality assurance measures.
Ultimately, the article advocates for a holistic understanding of clinical documentation as not only a tool for patient care but also a vital component of forensic investigation and legal justice.

In conclusion, "The Clinical records" serves as a beacon illuminating the intricate intersection of healthcare and Forensic Medicine. Through its nuanced examination of clinical
documentation, the article invites readers to appreciate the profound impact of meticulous documentation practices on patient outcomes, legal proceedings, and the pursuit of justice.

Background: Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (FMT) are integral components of the MBBS curriculum, encompassing legal, toxicological, and medical jurisprudence aspects. Despite
their importance, research on students' perceptions of FMT remains limited.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate medical students' knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards FMT and assess the influence of FMT training on their career inclinations.

Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at KMC, Katihar, Bihar, involving 476 participants from various professional years. Participants completed a validated
questionnaire assessing their opinions on FMT subject in the MBBS curriculum. Data were analysed using statistical tests to compare responses across different groups.

Results & Discussion: The study revealed diverse demographics among participants, with significant variations in attitudes towards FMT across different professional years. While the
majority recognized the utility of FMT in their studies, opinions varied on its application and relevance, particularly in legal contexts. Participants engaged in FMT training demonstrated
higher levels of interest and understanding, highlighting the positive impact of training on student engagement and comprehension. However, opinions on the overall quality of FMT
education remained consistent across all groups, suggesting the need for further curriculum refinement.

Conclusion: This study provides insights into medical students' perceptions of FMT, emphasizing the importance of tailored educational interventions to meet evolving needs.
Further research and multicentric validation are warranted to inform evidence-based strategies for enhancing FMT education in medical schools.