New challenges for verbal autopsy: Considering the ethical and social implications of verbal autopsy methods in routine health information systems.

摘要: Verbal autopsy (VA) methods are designed to collect cause-of-death information from populations where many deaths occur outside of health facilities and death certification is weak or absent. A VA consists an interview with a relative carer recently deceased individual in order gather on the signs symptoms decedent presented prior death. These details then used determine assign likely cause-of-death. At population level this can be invaluable help guide prioritisation direct policy services. To date VAs have largely been restricted research contexts but countries now venturing incorporate into routine civil registration vital statistics (CRVS) systems. Given sensitive nature death, however, there number ethical, legal social issues that should considered when scaling-up VAs, particularly cross-cultural socio-economically disadvantaged environments which they typically applied. Considering each step process paper provides narrative review context methods. Harnessing experiences applying rolling out as part CRVS systems low middle income countries, we identify potential implementing institutions need consider incorporating point areas could benefit further deliberation.