Building Resilient Medicolegal Death Investigation Professionals

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Eastern
Duration: 1 hour

Overview

This webinar aims to address the critical issue of mental health and wellness for medicolegal death investigation (MDI) professionals, with a focus on preventing PTSD, alcohol use disorders, and other negative outcomes from prolonged exposure to trauma.  

Drawing on both personal and professional experiences, the speakers highlight that although many forensic professionals may not frequently experience direct trauma, the relentless exposure to indirect trauma—such as crime scenes, interviews with victims' families, and autopsies—takes a significant toll. The speakers stress that unresolved trauma can lead to unhealthy behaviors, alienation, and burnout. To combat this, they encourage creating trauma-informed, supportive environments where mental health is openly discussed and normalized, and using available resources to develop personalized strategies. 

The presentation also highlights research on the mental health struggles of MDI professionals. Several studies are cited, including a 2021 NIJ study that surveyed nearly 1,000 medicolegal death investigator professionals during the pandemic. This study revealed high levels of burnout, depression, and anxiety among participants. Another study found that while the majority of forensic practitioners were satisfied with their roles, more than half reported feeling worn out and many expressed feeling ill-prepared to handle mental health challenges associated with their work. 

The speakers advocate for building resilience, noting that most professionals do not develop PTSD despite chronic trauma exposure. Strategies of using available resources like the MDI Align app, fostering a trauma-informed workplace, promoting self-care through activities like meditation, and creating opportunities for social support, such as team-building games or exercise challenges, are recommended. The speakers also share personal anecdotes to emphasize that vulnerability is not weakness and to encourage professionals to embrace their emotions rather than suppress them. 

In closing, the speakers underscore the importance of addressing mental health proactively, flipping the script on conversations surrounding trauma, and focusing on the positive aspects of the profession. By creating supportive, open environments, forensic professionals can protect themselves and each other from long-term mental health challenges.

Detailed Learning Objectives

1. Attendees will be able to define common terms used in mental health and wellness and identify how MDI professionals are uniquely exposed to trauma and stress.
2. Attendees will learn how medicolegal death investigators can develop and sustain healthy lives on and off scene.
3. Attendees will be validated in the importance of self-care and resiliency through personal stories and research studies, including the development of MDI Align and results related to its effectiveness.

Presenters

• Kelly Keyes | Research Forensic Scientist 3, RTI International
• Katharine C. Pope, MA, D-ABMDI | Research Public Health Analyst, RTI International