RESUMO
Incomplete or inaccurately filled fatal case documents are often returned to the hospital by higher headquarters, causing delay in the completion of procedural formalities. A mathematical model was developed to identify those fatal case documents which are at an increased risk of being returned so that the corrective action may be taken a priori. The data was subjected to a multiple logistic regression analysis. Diagnostic test characteristics were worked out and a Receiver Operating Curve analysis was done to find out optimum operating points on the slope, and the following mathematical rule was developed: 7.06=1 (if age > 50 years) - 4.5 (if age <= 12 years) + 9.88 (if serving person) + 2.75 (if ex-serviceman) + 4.5 (if dependent son or daughter) + 6.38 (if time lag > 10 days). This rule carries a sensitivity of 53 per cent and specificity of 75 per cent.