[Death certificates-an underestimated source of information for statistics, judicature, public health, and science].

[Death certificates-an underestimated source of information for statistics, judicature, public health, and science].
Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz. 2019 Nov 04;:
Authors: Gleich S, Viehöver S, Teipel A, Drubba S, Turlik V, Hirl B
Abstract
The thorough external examination of a corpse and the correct completion of the death certificate are medical duties with far-reaching consequences. Data obtained from the death certificates are the basis for mortality statistics and for scientific research. They can be helpful in uncovering criminal offences or for the surveillance of medical facilities. For many years the deficiencies of external post-mortem examinations and death certificates have been discussed in professional journals.The important task of analysing all death certificates is performed by the local health authorities. This is the only opportunity for quality control and, if necessary, the doctors who issued the death certificate must be asked for corrections. This also improves the quality of the mortality statistics and contributes to the administration of justice.Additionally, important information for routine duties of the public health authorities can be obtained from the death certificates concerning the monitoring of narcotics, the supervision of medical facilities and the adherence to notification requirements for infectious diseases. Furthermore, death certificates contain relevant data ...

Source: Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz - November 3, 2019 Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Gleich S, Viehöver S, Teipel A, Drubba S, Turlik V, Hirl B Tags: Bundesgesundheitsblatt Gesundheitsforschung Gesundheitsschutz Source Type: research