Problems filling out death certificates: exploratory study

Abstract

Data from the Brazilian Mortality Information System (SIM, in Portuguese) represent the main source of information on mortality in Brazil, even though the system contains many inconsistencies. One difficulty in generating reliable data on mortality is the correct filling out of death certificates (DOs), which are source instruments for the SIM system. This article describes an exploratory study on problems related to the filling out of DOs, using a semiqualitative approach. The data was collected in semi-structured interviews and questionnaires with medical doctors. The results show that the main problems related to filling out DOs are lack of medical information regarding the importance of the correct filling out of all the fields on the form, the limited use of the instructions issued by responsible organs and institutions, and lack of knowledge as to the importance of certain details and descriptions of the chain of pathological events in the field of possible causes of death.