Physicians' and Clinical Coders' Knowledge about Cause of Death Rules for Death Certification in Hospitals Affiliated to Kashan University of Medical Sciences

Introduction: To clarify mortality trend, enhancing the knowledge of physicians and clinical coders who play their role in coding based on ICD book is crucial. This study was performed to investigate the knowledge of physicians and clinical coders on the rules and guidelines of determining mortality causes. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 152 health care providers (physicians and disease coding experts) employed in hospitals affiliated to Kashan University of Medical Sciences in the year 2008. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire including items about mortality rules adapted from ICD-10 book of World Health Organization which was completed by study participants. Study data was analyzed by SPSS software using descriptive and inferential statistics such as Chi². Results: General knowledge of the population under investigation regarding the rules was 38.4%. Specialists and individuals with more than 5-10 years experience enjoyed the highest knowledge level (44.9% and 41.7%). Participants’ knowledge on mortality general rules was 11.2% which was interpreted as very weak and their knowledge on optional mortality rules was 29.6% which was deciphered as weak. Also, their awareness about modified regulations of mortality was at average level with 47.3%. Conclusion: Study population’s knowledge on mortality rules and guidelines in death certification, approved by WHO is weak which calls for necessary education in order to respect the rights of decedent’s relatives. It is also recommended to consider adequate supervision on execution of these rules and guidelines.