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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.10417.4

Abstract

In the study, evaluation of information for completion of non medical variables of Medical Certificate of Cause of Death (MCCD) like deceased’s name, age, sex, date and time of death, doctor’s signature and date of verification etc. filled in mock death certificates was done. We also studied and assessed the awareness, skill, attitude and knowledge amongst medical professionals (MPs) in documenting MCCD completely and accurately. Name, sex and age of the deceased were correctly and completely mentioned by 77.21%, 90.48% and 89.12% physicians respectively. Exact date and time of death was reported by 87.07% and 88.10% doctors respectively. Doctor’s signature column was filled by 75.51% physicians while date of verification was mentioned by only 63.95% doctors. This study reflects inadequate knowledge, practice, training and lack of awareness about importance of MCCD; carelessness and negligence on the part of certifying doctors.

Keywords: MCCD; WHO; Death Certificate; Awareness; Attitude; Medical Professionals. 

Corresponding Author : Praveen Arora, Associate Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Pimpri, Pune, Maharashtra 411018, India