# Assessment of COVID-19 death surveillance during the pandemic period in Recife

## TL;DR

This study evaluates how deaths from COVID-19 were monitored in Recife from 2020 to 2021, finding significant issues in accuracy and communication.

## Contribution

The study provides insights into the challenges and improvements in death surveillance systems during the pandemic in a specific Brazilian city.

## Key findings

- 58.4% of deaths investigated had errors in their classification.
- 15.7% of deaths initially attributed to COVID-19 were reclassified.
- Professional reassignment affected the frequency of discussions and implementation of recommendations.

## Abstract

To evaluate the surveillance of deaths due to COVID-19 during the pandemic in Recife, Pernambuco, between 2020 and 2021.

Evaluative study of the analysis type, which analyzes the transformation of the surveillance of deaths due to COVID-19. Data collected through structured participant observation, consultation of public documents and records of the Mortality Information System.

89 deaths were investigated and discussed, of which 64 (71.9%) were attributed to COVID-19 as the underlying cause and 14 (15.7%) were reclassified. The investigation was carried out by telephone call and consultation of medical records. The technical group identified errors in 52 (58.4%) deaths. The online discussions and recommendations to managers had uncertain frequency.

Death surveillance revealed improvements in the causes of death and recommended preventive measures to reduce mortality. The reassignment of professionals was observed, affecting the frequency of discussions and the implementation of recommendations. The findings reinforce the importance of initiatives that strengthen death surveillance.

Avaliar a vigilância do óbito por COVID-19 durante a pandemia no Recife, Pernambuco, entre 2020 e 2021.

Estudo avaliativo do tipo análise da transformação da vigilância do óbito por COVID-19. Dados coletados por observação participante e estruturada, consulta aos documentos públicos e registros do Sistema de Informações sobre Mortalidade.

Foram investigados e discutidos 89 óbitos, 64 (71,9%) atribuem-se à COVID-19 a causa básica e 14 (15,7%) foram reclassificados. A investigação foi realizada por contato telefônico e consulta aos prontuários. O grupo técnico identificou falhas em 52 (58,4%) óbitos. As discussões on-line e recomendações aos gestores tinham periodicidade incerta.

A vigilância do óbito elucidou a melhoria das causas de morte e recomendou medidas preventivas para a redução da mortalidade. Observou-se o remanejamento de profissionais afetando a periodicidade das discussões e o encaminhamento das recomendações. Os achados reforçam a importância de iniciativas que fortaleçam a vigilância de óbito.