5.5 The Death Certificate

Death certificates are important because morbidity and mortality statistics are often based on death-certification data. These statistics are important in developing approaches to disease treatment. It is typically the responsibility of the primary care physician to complete a death certificate and explain the cause of death to the family. Therefore, the doctor needs an explicit understanding of how to determine the cause and manner of death and how to communicate both in writing on the death certificate. Read the article from the American Family Physician and respond to the following:

1			What developments in medicine cause the family physician to have less frequent experience with completing and signing a death certificate?
2			Describe the difference between the "cause" and the "manner" of death and provide an example of each.
3			List six recommendations for completing a death certificate.
4			Give three examples of the purpose or use of a death certificate explaining the importance of each one.
5			Describe the function of the coroner or medical examiner when a death is unattended.