The WHO 2016 verbal autopsy instrument: An international standard suitable for automated analysis by InterVA, InSilicoVA, and Tariff 2.0

• Published in: PLoS medicine Vol. 15; no. 1; p. e1002486
• Main Authors: Nichols, Erin K, Byass, Peter, Chandramohan, Daniel, Clark, Samuel J, Flaxman, Abraham D, Jakob, Robert, Leitao, Jordana, Maire, Nicolas, Rao, Chalapati, Riley, Ian, Setel, Philip W
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Public Library of Science 10.01.2018; Public Library of Science (PLoS)
• Subjects: Algorithms; Automation; Autopsies; Autopsy; Autopsy - methods; Autopsy - standards; Cause of Death; Certification; Computer and Information Sciences; Data processing; Death; Engineering and Technology; Epidemiology; Guidelines and Guidance; Health sciences; Health surveillance; Humans; Hygiene; Innovations; Medical research; Medical technology; Medicine; Medicine and Health Sciences; Methods; Mortality; People and Places; Physical Sciences; Population; Public health; R&D; Research & development; Research and Analysis Methods; Statistical analysis; Studies; Tariffs; Technology application; Vital Statistics; Working groups; World Health Organization; New York; South Africa; Ohio; United Kingdom > UK; United States > US; Switzerland
• ISSN: 1549-1676; 1549-1277; 1549-1676
• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1002486

Verbal autopsy (VA) is a practical method for determining probable causes of death at the population level in places where systems for medical certification of cause of death are weak. VA methods suitable for use in routine settings, such as civil registration and vital statistics (CRVS) systems, have developed rapidly in the last decade. These developments have been part of a growing global momentum to strengthen CRVS systems in low-income countries. With this momentum have come pressure for continued research and development of VA methods and the need for a single standard VA instrument on which multiple automated diagnostic methods can be developed. In 2016, partners harmonized a WHO VA standard instrument that fully incorporates the indicators necessary to run currently available automated diagnostic algorithms. The WHO 2016 VA instrument, together with validated approaches to analyzing VA data, offers countries solutions to improving information about patterns of cause-specific mortality. This VA instrument offers the opportunity to harmonize the automated diagnostic algorithms in the future. Despite all improvements in design and technology, VA is only recommended where medical certification of cause of death is not possible. The method can nevertheless provide sufficient information to guide public health priorities in communities in which physician certification of deaths is largely unavailable. The WHO 2016 VA instrument, together with validated approaches to analyzing VA data, offers countries solutions to improving information about patterns of cause-specific mortality.