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Also See: National Fetal and Infant Mortality Review Program | nfimr.org

 

 
 
 
 

“Infant mortality is the most sensitive index we possess of social welfare.”
~
Julia Lathrop, Children’s Bureau, 1913

 

About the program

The Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Program looks at a variety of factors that affect the health of the mother, fetus and infant to learn more about how to reduce fetal and infant mortality. 

The purpose of the Lane County FIMR Program is to understand how a wide array of social, economic, health, educational, environmental and safety issues relate to infant loss at the local level. The goal is to enhance the health and well-being of women, infants and their families through improved community resources and service delivery systems.

 

How FIMR Works

Maternal Interview:

The maternal interview is the heart of the FIMR Program and makes FIMR unique among other case review processes. The interview allows the family’s voice to be heard and provides an opportunity to share their experiences before, during and after the pregnancy.

Records Review:

The FIMR Program reviews information from a variety of sources, including medical records, birth and death certificates, coroner’s reports, and records from health and social service agencies.

Case Review:

A case summary is prepared using information from the interview and records review. The summary is de-identified to assure confidentiality of the family, providers, and health care facilities. The summary is presented to the Case Review Team (CRT) for review. Members of the CRT represent a broad range of professional organizations and public and private agencies. The CRT reviews the summaries; examines the circumstances related to each case; and identifies social, economic, health, educational, environmental, and safety factors associated with the deaths. The CRT develops recommendations for how to improve policies and services for families.

Community Action:

Recommendations from the CRT are taken to the Community Action Team (CAT). The CAT translates the recommendations into action and participates in implementing interventions designed to address identified problems.

Benefits of FIMR

  • Empowers and inspires communities to create local solutions
  • Facilitates the grieving process for families
  • Gives families a voice in service and resource improvements
  • Identifies gaps in services
  • Expands services and improves coordination of services through collaboration
  • Enhances visibility and credibility of family issues
  • Ultimately reduces fetal and infant mortality

FIMR is:

  • An effective method of gathering critical information not assessed by other mortality reviews
  • A means of identifying and monitoring changes in health care delivery
  • A means of implementing core public health functions, such as assessment, quality assurance and policy development
  • A comprehensive, case finding process that uncovers the patterns and causes associated with fetal and infant death
  • A community-based collaborative approach that leads to action to improve services and community resources
  • A public/private partnership

FIMR is not:

  • A research study
  • An institutional review
  • A replacement for population-based mortality and morbidity reviews
  • A quick-fix for complex problems
  • A means of assigning blame or responsibility for any death

For more information:

Lane County Public Health
Fetal Infant Mortality Review Program
135 East 6th Street
Eugene, OR 97401
541.682.4670

 

The Lane County FIMR Program would like to acknowledge the Contra Costa FIMR Program in developing this material.

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