[Professional and activities profiles heterogeneity in the mortality registries in Spain]

Abstract

Objective: The mortality registries (MR) code death causes for the elaboration of the mortality statistics of the Spanish National Institute of Statistics (INE). Documentary research and medical training can improve this activity. Our objective was to analyse the professional profile and activities of the MR.

Method: A survey was designed and distributed in February 2021. Professional profile, quality activities, medical training, and regular publications were the major topics. 16/18 MR participated. A cluster analysis was performed.

Results: Eleven registries belong to Public Health. Five have an INE agreement, 39% provided training, and 56% made regular publications. Ten improved the causes of death, and 17% reviewed the automatic coding. The cluster analysis started from 5/16 groups of registries.

Conclusions: The MR were heterogeneous in professionals, quality and publications. Homogeneity implies documentary search, a sole INE agreement, and providing systemic medical training.

Keywords: Calidad; Causa de muerte; Cause of death; Encuesta; España; Mortalidad; Mortality; Quality of health care; Registries; Registro; Spain; Survey and questionnaires.