Disaster victim identification (DVI) entails a protracted process of evidence collection and data matching to reconcile physical remains with victim identity. Technology is critical to DVI by enabling the linkage of physical evidence to information. However, labelling physical remains and collecting data at the scene are dominated by low-technology paper-based practices. We ask, how can technology help us tag and track the victims of disaster? Our response has two parts. First, we conducted a human-computer interaction led investigation into the systematic factors impacting DVI tagging and tracking processes. Through interviews with Australian DVI practitioners, we explored how technologies to improve linkage might fit with prevailing work practices and preferences; practical and social considerations; and existing systems and processes. Using insights from these interviews and relevant literature, we identified four critical themes: protocols and training; stress and stressors; the plurality of information capture and management systems; and practicalities and constraints. Second, we applied the themes identified in the first part of the investigation to critically review technologies that could support DVI practitioners by enhancing DVI processes that link physical evidence to information. This resulted in an overview of candidate technologies matched with consideration of their key attributes. This study recognises the importance of considering human factors that can affect technology adoption into existing practices. We provide a searchable table (Supplementary Information) that relates technologies to the key attributes relevant to DVI practice, for the reader to apply to their own context. While this research directly contributes to DVI, it also has applications to other domains in which a physical/digital linkage is required, particularly within high-stress environments.
翻译:灾害受害者识别(DVI)意味着一个长期的证据收集和数据匹配过程,使身体遗骸与受害者身份相协调。技术对于DVI至关重要,因为它能够将物理证据与信息联系起来。然而,在现场贴上遗骸标签和收集数据的工作以低技术纸质做法为主。我们问,技术如何能帮助我们标记和跟踪灾害受害者?我们的反应分为两部分。首先,我们通过对澳大利亚DVI实践者进行访谈,探索如何利用技术改进联系,使之符合现行工作做法和喜好;实际和社会考虑;以及现有系统和进程。我们利用这些访谈和相关文献的见解,确定了四个关键主题:协议和培训;压力和压力;信息捕获和管理系统的多元化;以及实用性和制约因素。第二,我们运用了调查第一部分确定的主题,严格地审查DVI的标识和跟踪过程。我们通过加强DVI的物理证据与信息联系起来,我们探讨了改进联系的技术与现有关键属性相匹配;实际和社会考虑;以及现有系统和进程。本项研究认识到,在研究领域内,考虑关键性能影响现有技术的应用,我们在研究中提供高水平。