Quality Assurance and Improvement Framework for Medical Certification of Cause of Death and International Classification of Diseases Mortality Coding

About the Framework

This framework provides countries with a practical roadmap to strengthen the quality and consistency of cause-of-death data—one of the most essential inputs for health policy and planning. Developed by Vital Strategies and the Pacific Community (SPC), it outlines methods for assessing, assuring, and improving the accuracy of medical certification and ICD mortality coding.

Inside the Guide

Readers will find clear guidance on setting up quality assurance systems, monitoring and evaluating coding performance, and addressing common errors in medical certification. The document includes recommended indicators, audit tools, feedback mechanisms, and examples of continuous improvement processes that national Civil Registration and Vital Statistics (CRVS) programs can adapt to their own contexts.

Why it Matters

Accurate mortality data underpin evidence-based decision-making. By following this framework, countries can ensure their medical certification of cause of death and coding processes yield reliable data—helping governments and health systems target interventions more effectively, track progress on noncommunicable diseases and other priorities, and ultimately save lives.