Updating the primary records of the Mortality Information System: a necessary task

Abstract

Introduction: the availability of statistical information on deaths and their causes becomes an unavoidable requirement when it is necessary to establish action measures in the field of health statistics. The periodic updating of primary records to meet user needs and comply with international standards is an essential task that contributes to timely decision-making and international comparisons. Objective: to characterize the alignment of current Medical Death Certificates (MDCs) in Cuba with the World Health Organization's recommendations regarding the structure and content of these primary records during the transition to ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases). Method: to conduct this research, a documentary review was carried out in 2024, using the ICD-11 Reference Guide as a benchmark. The three MDC forms that constitute the primary records of the Mortality Statistical Information System were considered as the study population. Results: the total alignment percentage (TAP) with ICD-11 recommendations was 45.2%, while the potential alignment percentage (PAP) reached 90.3%, with partial alignment in additional items. Non-alignment (NAP) was 9.7%, mainly due to discrepancies in unified certification, surgery date, and pregnancy-related death reporting. Conclusions: the current MDC forms in Cuba differ in some aspects from ICD-11 requirements, and their modification could contribute to improving the information management of the Mortality Statistical Information System. This would enable systematic analysis, interpretation, and international comparison of mortality data.