The Death Certification Review Service
Arrangements for death certification and registration in Scotland changed in 2015 with the introduction of the Death Certification Review Service (DCRS).
The DCRS undertakes reviews of medical certificates of cause of death (MCCDs) to:
Further information regarding the scrutiny system and process managed by the DCRS can be found on the Healthcare Improvement Scotland website.
Updated guidance on use of abbreviations in Medical Certificates of Cause of Death
Following the release of a CMO letter from the Scottish government, the guidance for doctors completing Medical Certificates of the Cause of Death (MCCD) and its quality assurance regarding the use of abbreviations has been changed. The list of abbreviations can be found in the updated CMO guidance at Appendix 4 - please click here to read the document.
The reasons for using abbreviations are:
Accepted abbreviations are:
Educational resources and publications:
1. Online modules
NHS Education for Scotland worked with the DCRS to develop two online modules for certifying staff (each takes approximately 20 minutes to complete).
Module 2 Certification of Deaths in the Community - this module is primarily intended for doctors who are working in general practice in Scotland and may need to deal with sudden or expected deaths in the community.
2. Top tips for certifying doctors
The DCRS has developed tips on correctly completing an MCCD, available at this link.
3. Information on Support Around Death website
This website provides information and educational resources on the clinical, legislative and practical issues involved in care before the time of, at and after a death, including materials on death certification in Scotland for certifying doctors and non-certifying staff.
4. Publications
Management of Deaths in the Community
Contact us
For more information on the educational resources available for professionals regarding MCCDs, please contact supportarounddeath@nes.scot.nhs.uk.
To sign-up to receive NES’ quarterly bereavement education e-Newsletter click here.
This page was last updated on: 22.09.2022 at 16.41