Certification of Death in Singapore

Abstract

Proper certification of death has legal, social, and epidemiological significance. There is unfortunately little in the existing medical literature relevant to such an important issue in Singapore. With the implementation of the Coroners Act 2010, there has been recent surge in interest in this matter, highlighting a need for additional instruction on the accurate completion of death certificates. This review explains how a death certificate should be filled out, with particular focus on the difference between the terms cause, mechanism, mode, and manner of death. The article is aimed at doctors in Singapore, and highlights legal and practical issues.