MiCOVDI Frequently Asked Questions

• Why did I receive a letter from the State of Michigan Department of Health and Human Services about the Michigan COVID-19 Death Investigation (Mi-COVIDI)?
  If you received a letter like this, our records indicate that you recently lost a loved one as a result of COVID-19 complications.  An interviewer from MSU will try to contact you at the phone number included in the letter to ask you some health-related questions about your loved one so that we can better understand his/her experiences in testing, care and treatment received for COVID-19. 
• How will my information and my loved one's information be used?
  All the information gathered for this investigation will be reviewed by a panel of medical experts, public health professionals, and community leaders from across Michigan.  Panel members will review each case in depth and discuss ways to improve how patients presenting with COVID-19 symptoms are treated and triaged, with the intent of preventing these deaths in Michigan.  All information collected will be kept confidential and will not be shared or used for any other purposes outside of this investigation.
• Can I change my preferred contact information?
  If the number listed in the letter you received is incorrect or is no longer a valid number to reach you at, you can contact MiCOVDI to let us know how you can be reached for an interview.
• I did not receive a letter but my loved one died from COVID-19. Can I be interviewed to participate in the project?
  Unfortunately, due to the time limitations and established parameters of this project, we are unable to investigate COVID-19 deaths outside of the selected case group.
• I received a letter to participate in the investigation, but I did not know this person very well. What should I do if I do not want to be interviewed for the project?

  Participation in the interview is completely voluntary; you can participate in as much or as little of the interview as you are comfortable with.  If you choose not to answer any questions, simply let the interviewer know when you are contacted. 

  However, if there is another family member or close friend of the decedent who could provide information about his/her death, we would be glad to talk with them.  Please contact MiCOVDI to let us know who should be contacted to complete the interview. 

• What is the benefit of participating in this investigation?
  Although you will not receive any direct benefit for participating in the Michigan COVID-19 Death Investigation, the information you provide about your loved one’s passing will help us to improve patient experience and care access for future COVID-19 patients and prevent other deaths due to COVID-19.
• My loved one’s passing was very difficult, and I do not think I will be able to complete the interview without becoming emotional, but I want to help. Can I still complete an interview for the investigation?
  The interviewers working on this project are very sensitive to the loss suffered with each death we are investigating.  It is hoped that we can learn from these tragic deaths in an effort to prevent future deaths related to COVID-19.  Any information you can provide will be greatly appreciated.  If you choose to complete an interview, we can take as much time as needed and the interview can be completed over more than one session.  You can also refer MiCOVDI contact information to another family member to complete the interview instead.