Impact of coronial investigations on manner and cause of death determinations in Australia, 2000-2007

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in the understanding of the manner and cause of death occurring during the course of coronial investigations. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of deaths reported to coroners in Australia between 1 July 2000 and 31 December 2007, using the National Coroners Information System. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: (i) Manner of death (natural, external, unknown); (ii) intent classification (eg, unintentional injury, suicide, assault) among deaths with external causes; and, (iii) changes in the manner of death and intent classification between the presumption made at case notification and the coroner's final determination. RESULTS: The coronial investigation changed the presu..