FIMR
Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Program
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 death and injury. Knowledge gained through the reviews empowers communities to enhance services, influence policy, and direct planning efforts that will ultimately lower infant mortality rates. The program is based on the National FIMR model and is an initiative of the American College of Obstetricians-Gynecologists.
Why is the FIMR program vital to Escambia County Florida?
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. Through a methodical investigation and review of the diverse factors that contribute to individual deaths, the FIMR team can uncover gaps or needs in Escambia County that may contribute to infant deaths or injuries. The team can then make recommendations and help develop strategies to address the needs and close the gaps.
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.
How can I get involved with the Escambia County FIMR program?
For information on how you can become involved with FIMR, contact the Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition at (850) 696-2291.
Why is the FIMR program vital to Escambia County Florida?
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. Through a methodical investigation and review of the diverse factors that contribute to individual deaths, the FIMR team can uncover gaps or needs in Escambia County that may contribute to infant deaths or injuries. The team can then make recommendations and help develop strategies to address the needs and close the gaps.
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.
How can I get involved with the Escambia County FIMR program?
For information on how you can become involved with FIMR, contact the Escambia County Healthy Start Coalition at (850) 696-2291.
