DataSpeak

Mortality Reviews—Tools for MCH Programming

March 29, 2000

Facilitator’s Guide

The MCH Information Resource Center’s (IRC) DataSpeak program is designed to provide the MCH community with current information on timely MCH data and related policy issues. In the interest of facilitating the application of information presented during DataSpeak audioconferences, the MCH IRC encourages state and local Departments of Health and other groups to organize DataSpeak participants to listen to and discuss the programs. The following questions are suggested to facilitate discussion regarding the use of mortality review findings in Title V programming.

Suggested Discussion Questions

• Does our state/county have a system in place for conducting fetal/infant, maternal, and/or child deaths?  If not, how could such reviews assist in developing the state’s systems of care for women and children?
• If our state has mortality reviews in place, what strategies are used to implement recommendations of mortality review programs? How are Title V and other health officials, legislators, advocates, the media, and consumers informed of the findings of mortality reviews?  Is this information broadly available and accessible to the public?
• More specifically, how are findings from these reviews incorporated into Title V planning and programming activities? What mechanisms are in place for incorporating findings from mortality reviews into state and local Title V needs assessments, for contributing to state and national performance measurement efforts, etc.? How could linkages between the mortality review program(s) and Title V be strengthened?
• How do multiple FIMR/maternal mortality/child fatality review programs in our state work together to share resources and findings, develop recommendations, and advocate for system improvements? How could these linkages be strengthened?
• Are existing fetal/infant mortality review (FIMR) programs making use of the resources of the National FIMR program funded by the MCHB and housed at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (www.acog.org)?   (Note: This is an excellent resource as well for states and communities interested in starting a FIMR program.)