Lay perceptions of autopsy.

The lay public's exposure to information on the purposes and value of the autopsy is sparse. When approached for consent to perform an autopsy, they are often indifferent and uncooperative. If the autopsy is worthy of revitalization as the ultimate medical consultation, pathologists must know what the general public is exposed to, what they think, and what their perceptions about autopsy are. There have been mass media and some specialized media contributions during the years 1977 through 1982. I studied the public's areas of concern regarding the topic and detailed the perceptions and unspoken thoughts of laymen. There are steps that can be taken to join the lay community and pathologists together in renewed efforts to revitalize the role of the autopsy while simultaneously educating the public about the advantages and needs of medical education.