Analysis of the Case Records for the Accuracy on Medical Certification of Cause of Death in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

When a patient dies unexpectedly, the physicinas will issue a certificate stating the cause of death. Incorrect and incomplete information on  such certificates makes it difficult to obtain accurate information about the cause of death hindering the Public Health Surveillance and  investigations. Our study aims to determine the accuracy and completeness of medical certification of cause of death. From 1st March  2019 and 31st July 2019, a total of 246 certificates on the cause of death issued to various departments were reviewed. Nearly 40% of death  certificates were from the medical ward, 23% were from the emergency ward, and 27% listed the main cause as the main cause of death is  the cardiovascular disease. RTA, suicide, homicide, and septicemia accounted for nearly 17% of death certificates, while 72% of the  immediate lines were filled out correctly. 78% of the Antecedent line's fields were correctly filled, 65% were correctly filled on the  underlying line, and 35% were filled incorrectly. Regarding errors, 33% of the certificates had one error, and 26% had two. Four or more  errors were in 12% of the certificates. Only 9% of them had no error. It is necessary to take a multifaceted approach to raise doctors'  knowledge and awareness of MCCD rules and regulations to improve the accuracy and dependability of data. According to this research, it  is necessary to implement interventions that include tested education, system-related support, and additional training tailored to the  completion of death certificates.