TELEFORENSICS IN BRAZIL: LITERATURE REVIEW AND ANALYSIS FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF FORENSIC MEDICINE

Abstract

Introduction: Telehealth has been developing and expanding. The use of technologies aims to delivery health services to the entire population in a safe, convenient, efficient, and effective way; decrease the waiting time for care; overcome geographic, socioeconomic, and cultural difficulties, avoiding unnecessary displacement of the health team or the patient; and reduce costs. Material and methods: Literature review with analysis of articles and publications in Lilacs, Pubmed, Scielo and Embase databases, to collect data regarding forensic medicine using telemedicine, evaluating the techniques used in different medical-forensic areas and establishing the viability of the teleforensics and which situations the use of telemedicine technological resources is possible for forensic purposes; according to the current law in Brazil. Discussion: Teleconsulting is widely used in other countries and can be used substantially in all fields of forensic medicine. In some areas, with some reservations, the assessment of the subject by the expert can be done remotely. Conclusion: Teleforensics is possible, but with limitations and precautions. Screening is essential to select viable remote evaluation, developing specific standards for this model of care, respecting the autonomy of the professional who chooses to perform remotely or not, using high quality equipment and materials and, finally, hiring a team with stability, so they can be trained and act according to the established guidelines.