Hospital referral of detainees during police custody in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. (July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dorn, T.; Janssen, A.; de Keijzer, J.C.; van Rijk-Zwikker, G.L.; Reijnders, U.J.L.; Luitse, J.S.K.; Vandewalle, E.; Gorzeman, M.P.; van Nieuwenhuizen, R.C.; Ceelen, M.; Das, C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of forensic and legal medicine. Volume 57(2018)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 85
• Publication Date: 2018-07
• Subjects: Care in custody -- Forensic physicians -- Referral -- Detainees -- Hospital treatment; Medical jurisprudence -- Periodicals; Forensic sciences -- Periodicals; Forensic Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine légale -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 614.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jflm.2016.01.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1752-928X

Abstract

Abstract: This study describes how many detainees have been referred to emergency departments for further evaluation or emergency care while in police custody in Amsterdam (years 2012/2013). It provides insights into the diagnoses assigned by forensic doctors and hospital specialists and the appropriateness of the referrals. We made use of the electronic registration system of the Forensic Medicine Department of the Public Health Service Amsterdam. This department is in charge of the medical care for detainees in the Amsterdam region. Hospital diagnoses were obtained through collaboration with several Amsterdam-based hospitals. According to our results, in 1.5% of all consultations performed, the detainee was referred to hospital. The most frequent reasons for referral were injuries (66%), intoxication/withdrawal (11%) and cardiac problems (7%). In 18% of all referrals, hospital admission (defined as at least one night in the hospital) was the consequence. After review of hospital files, the indication for referral as stated by the forensic physician was confirmed in 77% of all cases. A minority of referrals was considered unnecessary (7%). The identified cases allow for a discussion of cases of over-referral. Future research should focus on the problem of under-referral and associated health risks. Highlights: This study provides insight into the referral of police detainees to hospital. This is the first study to examine the appropriateness of referrals. The referral rate was 1.5%. The leading referral indication was injury (66%). The indication for referral was confirmed in 77% of all cases. A minority of referrals was considered unnecessary (7%).