Table 1

Trends in Forensic Consultation

Past TrendsContemporary Trends
Administrative paradigmsForensic referral to medical centers, independent clinical practices, and independent providersForensic clinics establish partnerships, networks, and alliances, contracting through an integrated services delivery system of service providers
Clinical modelsProvider‐focused: clinicians are individual providers/specialists who provide services on an independent basis to courts and lawyers.Patient‐focused: clinician and team of providers and specialists provide services to courts and judicial systems.
Information modelsPaper clinical records; provider‐developed record systems; local accessibility in the courts to recordsInteractive television consultation; electronic health records; on‐line support systems; e‐mail, electronic files, and information exchange for comprehensive and integrated clinical care