2023-07-26-世界卫生组织-Verbal_autopsy_field_interviewer_manual_2022_150页_1mb

Verbal Autopsy (VA) Instrument Summary

1. Purpose

Standardized, simplified VA instrument developed by WHO to identify causes of death in areas without routine medical certification.
Used for national civil registration & vital statistics (CRVS), research, and disease-specific programs.

2. Key Sections

Personnel

• Requires trained interviewers and field supervisors.
• Uses paper or electronic forms (tablet/smartphone compatible).

Implementation

• Recall Period: 4 weeks to 12 months, preferably shorter for infants.
• Respondent Selection: Person closest to the deceased during illness.
• Ethics: Strict confidentiality, informed consent.

Questionnaires (Three Versions by Age Group)

• Neonate: Children <4 weeks.
• Child: 4 weeks to 11 years.
• Adult: 12+ years.
• Common elements:
  • Pre-set sections for HIV/malaria status.
  • Respondent and interviewer demographics.
  • Deceased background and vital registration details.

Implementation Steps

• Community sensitization and obtaining consent.
• Structured open narrative section for additional details.
• Detailed sections on:
  • Duration and specific signs/symptoms.
  • Health service utilization.
  • COVID-19 specific inquiries.

Data Processing

• Electronic forms include skip patterns and built-in checks.
• Paper forms followed by manual screening.
• Data analyzed via algorithms or physician review.
• Clear process mapping outcome to appropriate cause of death diagnosis.

Interface with Civil Registration

• Standardized reporting formats compatible with national systems.
• Record capture of official death certificates where available.

General Disclaimers

• Acknowledges legal conditions and the potential for minor local adaptations.
• Addresses intellectual property rights.

**Note**: The core focus remains the tool's introduction, structure, and primary application within healthcare data collection regimes.