Completing a Death Certificate

 

When filling out a death certificate, it’s essential to clearly and accurately describe the cause of death. The certificate is divided into sections that require precise information to ensure the death’s cause is documented correctly.

 

1. Part 1a: Direct Cause of Death

This section should indicate the immediate disease or condition that directly led to death. Be specific and avoid vague or non-medical terminology.

Examples:
i. Instead of writing “Kidney failure,” specify “End-stage renal disease secondary to diabetic nephropathy.”
ii. For liver-related deaths, avoid terms like “liver failure.” Use “Cirrhosis of the liver due to chronic hepatitis B.”
iii. In cases involving stroke, write “Acute ischemic stroke involving the left middle cerebral artery” rather than just “stroke.”

2. Part 1b: Underlying Cause or Contributing Condition

This section should detail the underlying condition that led to the disease or condition in Part 1a. It should describe any contributing factors that resulted in the direct cause of death.

Example: If diabetes played a role, write “Type 2 diabetes mellitus” in Part 1b, as it contributed to the immediate cause of death.

3. Avoid Using Vague Terms

Refrain from using non-specific terms such as:
i. “Cardiac arrest”
ii. “Respiratory failure”
iii. “Multiorgan dysfunction”
iv. “Sepsis”
These terms do not provide enough clarity or specificity to understand the true cause of death.

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