The proposed death certificate for South Africa. Part II. Feasibility study

The proposed new death certificate was tested in urban and rural hospitals and among general practitioners. Of the 471 death certificates returned, 70% were correctly completed. The underlying cause of death was identifiable in 86.6% of cases. The accuracy of cause of death statements was analysed in greater detail. Some items on the proposed form were not clear and needed improvement, i.e. instructions to mark an applicable answer and refer to instructions on the reverse page. The participants completed a questionnaire to assess and comment on the new form. A refined version thereof was prepared as a result of this study.