Assessment of COVID-19 death surveillance during the pandemic period in Recife

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surveillance of deaths due to COVID-19 during the pandemic in Recife, Pernambuco, between 2020 and 2021. METHODS: Evaluative study of the analysis type, which analyzes the transformation of the surveillance of deaths due to COVID-19. Data collected through structured participant observation, consultation of public documents and records of the Mortality Information System. RESULTS: 89 deaths were investigated and discussed, of which 64 (71.9%) were attributed to COVID-19 as the underlying cause and 14 (15.7%) were reclassified. The investigation was carried out by telephone call and consultation of medical records. The technical group identified errors in 52 (58.4%) deaths. The online discussions and recommendations to managers had uncertain frequency. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: Death surveillance revealed improvements in the causes of death and recommended preventive measures to reduce mortality. The reassignment of professionals was observed, affecting the frequency of discussions and the implementation of recommendations. The findings reinforce the importance of initiatives that strengthen death surveillance.