Background and aims: The initial aim of this audit was to determine whether information on death certificates is correct and all legal requirements are met. As shortcomings were found, educational measures were undertaken and the effect of those was measured by a re-audit.
Method: All death certificates issued during a 4-month period within the elderly care department of a district general hospital were retrospectively audited. A re-audit was performed later the same year over a 3-month period.
Results: 19 (13.6%) of 140 certificates issued during the initial 4-month period could not be shown to meet the statutory criteria, as no evidence was found that these patients were attended by the issuing medical officer. Minor errors and omissions were found in 58.6% of certificates. Following education about these problems, there was a significant improvement in death certification. Only 2 (2.4%) of 85 certificates issued in the re-audit period did not meet the statutory criteria (p = 0.01) and minor errors and omissions occurred in 20%.
Conclusion: The incidence of unsatisfactory death certificates within a hospital setting is high. Increased education and better documentation leads to improvements in accuracy and legitimacy.