Abstract

JORGE, Maria Helena P. de Mello; LAURENTI, Ruy  and  DI NUBILA, Heloisa Brunow Ventura. Death and its epidemiological investigation: considerations about some relevant aspects. Rev. bras. epidemiol. [online]. 2010, vol.13, n.4, pp. 561-576. ISSN 1415-790X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1415-790X2010000400002.

This article addresses death and issues related to its investigation, as important components for Epidemiology/Public Health. It highlights aspects linked to the improvement of quality of investigation and surveillance of death, as well as the advance of scientific/epidemiological research in this area, analyzed in view of current legislation and ethical principles in Brazil. We discuss the problem related to knowing "whom the health information belongs to and which are the limits of its utilization", considering also the possibility of using identified databases. At the end, we suggest competent ways, as a "Term of Responsibility/Confidentiality" signed by the researcher in order to enable scientific/epidemiological research to continue in the country, in a more opportune and agile manner.

Keywords : Death; Investigation; Research on mortality; Ethics in research; Confidentiality; Health information.