| Sub-title | |
| Authors | K England H Agius Muscat N Calleja |
| Abstract | Aims: The accuracy of death certification by doctors completing death certificates in the Maltese Islands is not known. Since death certificate information forms an important public health tool, this study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitudes and behavior of certifying doctors in relation to death certification, to determine the scope for future intervention. Methods: A postal questionnaire was sent to doctors having completed at least three death certificates during the year 2002. Closed questions established personal and career details, death certification experience and knowledge, attitudes and behavior in relation to death certification and its uses. Four case studies were also included. Doctors had to fill in ‘cause of death statement' for each study presented. Results: 67% of doctors answered the questionnaire. Only 6% of all doctors had received formal training in death certification and 84% of doctors felt that training in death certification was needed. Training during housemanship years was ranked as the best method of training followed by training during medical school, information handouts and last seminars/CME initiatives. Factors which made filling in of death certificates more difficult included patients with multiple pathology (65%) and not knowing the patient enough (57%). Most doctors (95%) felt that accurate death certification was important and used as a legal proof of death, source of demographic data and for epidemiological research. Error rates in the case studies presented ranged from 30% in case study 1 to 80% in case study 4. Conclusions: The results of the case studies reflect a lack of training in death certificate completion at all levels of medical experience. However there was a generally constructive attitude to the importance of death certification which would indicate that most doctors would be receptive to a training program. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 18 Supplement |
| Page | |
| Date | 01/12/2006 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | death certification, junior doctors, knowledge, medical education |