Skin conditions
Certification of skin conditions
When certifying conditions of the skin such as wounds, ulcers and haemorrhages specify whether the condition is traumatic or atraumatic. Specify the site, cause and any risk factors of the skin condition such as immobility, diabetes or vascular disease. Where applicable, specify if an infection is present and give the name of the causative organism where known. The following example demonstrates how a skin condition may be certified.
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Description
Example of a completed Medical Certificate of Cause of Death. The certificate contains 6 lines for completion separated into two parts. Part 1, line A for the disease or condition leading directly to death. Part 1 lines B, C, D and E for antecedent causes which are morbid conditions, if any, giving rise to the above cause, stating the underlying condition last. Part 2 of the certificate is a single line for other significant conditions contributing to the death but not directly related to the disease or condition causing it. For both Part 1 and Part 2 there is a column to record the approximate interval between onset and death for the conditions on each line.
The certificate is filled out as follows:
- Part 1(a): Septic shock. Approximate interval between onset and death: 1 day
- Part 1(b): Staphylococcus aureus sepsis. Approximate interval between onset and death: 1 week
- Part 1(c): Chronic atraumatic lower leg wounds. Approximate interval between onset and death: 2 months
- Part 1(d): Peripheral vascular disease. Approximate interval between onset and death: 10 years
- Part 1(e): Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Approximate interval between onset and death: 20 years
- Part 2: Coronary artery disease, obesity. Approximate interval between onset and death: 10 years, 20 years