How to complete a paper-based Medical Certificate of Cause of Death in Scotland

We are delighted to announce the launch of a new animated short film which is designed to guide certifying doctors through the process for completing a Medical Certificate of Cause of Death, or MCCD. An inaccurate MCCD can lead to further upset for people who are bereaved and delay funeral arrangements, so taking the time to complete the form in the right way can have a major impact.

Also, by completing the MCCD accurately, certifying doctors are helping to provide better quality information about causes of death.

Click below to watch the video or here to view it on the NHS Education for Scotland Vimeo channel

"When the Death Certification Review Service (DCRS) asked NES for help with a resource for all doctors on ‘How to complete a paper-based Medical Certificate of Cause of Death in Scotland’, we had not anticipated such an innovative outcome. The brief was a concise and readily understandable way to help certifiers refresh their knowledge both for planned CPD but also something that could be used ‘real-time’ when the need arose. Given the medicolegal importance of the production of an MCCD, especially for bereaved relatives, I have no hesitation in commending this material as the ‘go-to’ material in these circumstances" 

Dr C George M Fernie, Senior Medical Reviewer & Caldicott Guardian, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Death Certification Review Service

To see our full range of animated films for health and social care professionals, please visit the Video Wall.