Table 2 Strength domains and reported impacts

Comprehensive coverage

16 (43%)

Captures all reportable deaths across Australia and New Zealand

Wide breadth of information in closed cases

Monitor mortality trends at population-level

Inform injury prevention programs and priorities

Assess effectiveness of interventions

Detailed data source

13 (35%)

Richness of information in closed cases

Greater level of detail than existing databases (e.g. Australian Bureau of Statistics)

Detailed examination of causes and circumstances of death

Data consistency

11 (29%)

Quality assessment by trained staff at the National Coronial Information System (NCIS) and internal quality control

Consistent with other datasets and national statistics

More reliable than national statistics wherein data are finalised before coroner’s investigation is closed

Accurate estimate of mortality

Rigorous coding framework

Rigorous and consistent coding scheme

Utility for death investigation Utility for public health and safety and injury prevention

9 (24%)

Hazard identification tool

Coroner’s inquest yields constructive recommendations

Potential for reduction in preventable deaths

Valuable surveillance tool

Good quality data

6 (16%)

Valid information

Quality assessment by trained staff at NCIS and internal quality control

Contribute to validity of study findings

Most current data source available

4 (10%)

Contemporary information

Timely access

Not specified