[Evaluation of deaths by accidents with venomous snakes in the State of São Paulo, 1988/1989].

UNLABELLED

In Brazil, the discussion about the quality of medical care evaluation is beginning.

PURPOSE

Assessment of the cases of death by venomous snake bite in the State of São Paulo.

METHODS

Twenty one deaths caused by venomous snakebite, that occurred in the State of S-ao Paulo, Brazil, during 1988 and 1989 were analysed. The method of three audits implicit criteria was used to evaluate the care given to these cases. Two of the authors did also a qualitative analysis of the care.

RESULTS

The results showed a higher frequency of males and adults of 50 and more years of age. The answers to the question "if the death was predictable" were all negative, in 5 cases, and the majority agreed in 6 cases (52.4% of answers were "not predictable"). The question "if there was evidence that the complication was recognized" had answers as "yes" or "there was not sufficient information" in the majority. As to the question "all the appropriate measures were taken in view of the complications", in three cases the answer was "no".

CONCLUSION

The main question mentioned was the bad quality of the information in the medical records. The qualitative analysis of the two authors, showed, some inadequate procedures.