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Infant, Maternal & Reproductive Health Unit

 
 

FLORIDA'S FETAL AND INFANT MORTALITY REVIEW PROGRAM

 

 

 

 

 

WHAT IS THE FLORIDA FETAL & INFANT MORTALITY REVIEW (FFIMR)?

 

  The Florida Fetal & Infant Mortality Review is a process of community-based fetal and infant mortality reviews aimed at addressing factors and issues that affect infant mortality and morbidity. It is anticipated that the knowledge gained through the reviews will empower communities to enhance services, influence policy, and direct planning efforts that will ultimately lower mortality rates. The program is based on the National FIMR model and is an initiative of the American College of Obstetricians-Gynecologists.  
     
 

 WHY DO WE NEED THE FETAL AND INFANT MORTALITY REVIEW PROJECT?

 
  Though great strides have been made in reducing the infant mortality rate, Florida's rate is still above most states and industrialized countries. The nonwhite fetal and infant mortality rate is twice the white rate in Florida. The methodical investigation of the diverse factors that contribute to individual deaths will allow communities to respond to the needs that are identified by the reviews. Florida's Healthy Start Coalitions provide an excellent community base to start these reviews and move recommendations into appropriate actions.  
     
 

   HOW DOES THE PROCESS WORK?

 
  A Local Infant Mortality Committee of the Healthy Start Coalition provides an analysis of the basic statistical and epidemiological aspects of fetal and infant mortality, and then selects objectives, plans, and manages the review process.

The review process includes the technical tasks of record audits and parental interviews, presentation to and analysis by an expert review panel who make specific recommendations to the local community for action. Interviews are conducted not only to obtain information, but also to ensure that families are receiving appropriate support and follow-up.

The Expert Review Panel (often called the Community Case Review Team) reviews and analyzes the findings of the interviews and record abstractions. This panel usually includes a district and local health officer, obstetrician, pediatrician, social worker, nurse-midwife, a hospital and community nurse, coroner or medical examiner, interviewer, abstractor, community outreach worker, mental health counselor, and other people important to the individual reviews.

A Community Review Panel (often called the Community Action Group) of local experts, representatives of the health department, hospital, medical society and other health professional groups, community leaders, school, civic and business leaders, and consumers implement the recommendations of the Case Review Team.
 
     
 

  WHERE ARE THE FLORIDA FIMR PROGRAMS?

 
 

 

Current Counties Participating (29):

Escambia, Jackson;  Washington, Holmes, Calhoun, Liberty; Bay, Franklin, Gulf;  Gadsden, Leon, Jefferson, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla;  Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns;  Flagler, Volusia;  Pinellas;  Hardee, Highlands, Polk;  Sarasota; Broward and Miami-Dade counties.
 


 
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
   

Infant, Maternal & Reproductive Health

 

   
This page was last modified on: 02/14/2012 10:38:25