Death Certification Drama
21 Sep 2012
This case study highlights the importance of accurate death certification.
Case history
A JMO was working on night shift when he was called to certify the death of a patient and complete the Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The patient had been receiving palliative care for metastatic breast cancer. The death was expected and was not reportable to the Coroner. The JMO had never completed a death certificate before. He was in a hurry and was uncertain what to include under the various headings on the certificate. In his haste, he simply recorded "Metastatic cancer 2 years" under the heading "Disease or condition directly leading to the death". He did not make any notation under the other headings: "Antecedent causes" and "Other significant causes".
Several days later, the JMO received an angry phone call from the patient's husband. The husband had received a copy of his wife's death certificate. He was extremely upset that the certificate was not accurate. The husband told the JMO that his wife had been diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years earlier and she had developed liver metastases six months prior to her death. She also had insulin dependent diabetes mellitus which had not been recorded on the certificate. To make matters worse, the patient's name had been spelled incorrectly.
Discussion
Accurate death certification is important to family members. It allows them to understand what caused the death and to be aware of conditions that may occur in other family members, now and in the future. The information is also coded by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for use by the public health sector and medical researchers for evaluating and developing measures to improve the health of Australians generally.
Want more information?
- Contact our 24 hour Medico-legal Advisory Service on 1800 011 255.
- The ABS has published a booklet which provides guidance on completing Medical Certificates of Cause of Death.
- Our intern Members receive a medico-legal booklet series of “must know” information in your first 18 months. Topics include coronial reports and death certification.
- Check out our Library for further resources about medical certification.
Doctors Let's Talk: Get Yourself A Fricking GP
Get yourself a fricking GP stat! is a conversation with Dr Lam, 2019 RACGP National General Practitioner of the Year, rural GP and GP Anesthetics trainee, that explores the importance of finding your own GP as a Junior Doctor.
25 Oct 2022
Systematic efforts to reduce harms due to prescribed opioids – webinar recording
Efforts are underway across the healthcare system to reduce harms caused by pharmaceutical opioids. This 43-min recording of a live webinar, delivered 11 March 2021, is an opportunity for prescribers to check, and potentially improve, their contribution to these endeavours. Hear from an expert panel about recent opioid reforms by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
14 May 2021
Diplomacy in a hierarchy: tips for approaching a difficult conversation
Have you found yourself wondering how to broach a tough topic of conversation? It can be challenging to effectively navigate a disagreement with a co-worker, especially if they're 'above' you; however, it's vital for positive team dynamics and safe patient care. In this recording of a live webinar you'll have the opportunity to learn from colleagues' experiences around difficult discussions and hear from a diverse panel moderated by Dr Kiely Kim (medico-legal adviser and general practitioner). Recorded live on 2 September 2020.
05 Oct 2020
