Trend of researches in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology: An Indian scenario

Abstract

Research in medical field is a momentous pillar on which the entire health system lies on. If one compares the researches in forensic  medicine and toxicology with other clinical specialties, the difference lies with the need and nature of researches. Aim of this study was  to analyse the trend of researches in the field of forensic medicine and toxicology in India. Objectives of the study were to quantify the  researches in terms of specialty areas as well as to explore the scope for further studies. Materials for the present study comprised of  1192 research articles published in the Indian journals from 2013 to 2017. Each article was analysed through its title and abstract  available online. Each article was classified according to the area and topics covered. Identification of an individual was the most  researched area of forensic medicine in India. The least researched area was the teaching learning aspects of the subject itself. As far as  most repetitive researched studies are concerned, trends of poisoning followed by pattern of injuries due to road traffic accidents have  their places at the top. More emphasis should be given to researches based on current medico legal issues of the community instead of  giving attention to what is already there in literature. Repetition of researches should be aimed at creating novelty on particular aspect.  Meta-analysis should be incorporated to coalesce the findings of researches and to develop methodological standards that can be  suitably applied to local populations