Variations in Cause-of-Death Determination for Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To quantify and describe variation in cause-of-death certification of sudden unexpected infant deaths (SUIDs) among US medical examiners and coroners.

Methods

From January to November 2014, we conducted a nationally representative survey of US medical examiners and coroners who certify infant deaths. Two-stage unequal probability sampling with replacement was used. Medical examiners and coroners were asked to classify SUIDs based on hypothetical scenarios and to describe the evidence considered and investigative procedures used for cause-of-death determination. Frequencies and weighted percentages were calculated.

Results

Of the 801 surveys mailed, 60% were returned, and 377 were deemed eligible and complete. Medical examiners and coroners classification of

SUBMITTER: Shapiro-Mendoza CK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5599098 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature