How much does a verbal autopsy based mortality surveillance system cost in rural India

摘要: Objective This paper aims to determine the cost of establishing and sustaining a verbal-autopsy based mortality surveillance system in rural India. Materials Methods Deaths occurring 45 villages (population 185,629) were documented over 4-year period from 2003–2007 by non-physician healthcare workers (NPHWs) trained data collection using verbal autopsy tool. Causes death assigned 2 physicians for first year one physician subsequent years. Costs calculated training interviewers physicians, collection, analysis, project management infrastructure. divided number deaths population covered year. Results Verbal-autopsies completed 96.7% (5786) all (5895) recorded. The annual 1 was INR 1,133,491 (USD 24,943) total per 757 16.66). These costs included NPHWs reviewers Rs 67,025 1474), 248,400 5466), dual review cause assignment 375,000 8252), 341,724 7520). average run each 822,717 (USD18104) 549 12) next 3 reduced single shortened re-training sessions. running 900,410 19814). Discussion study provides detailed empirical evidence involved site verbal-autopsy.