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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Barbara Anne Walsh, RN, MPH¹, Joan Corder-Mabe, RNC, MS, WHNP², and Theresa Taylor, RN, MPH². (1) School of Nursing, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, P.O. Box 980567, Richmond, VA 23298-0567, (804) 828-3462, bawalsh@vcu.edu, (2) Division of Women's and Infants' Health, Virginia Department of Health, 109 Governor Street, 8th Floor, Richmond, VA 23219

Infant mortality, the death of an infant before his or her first birthday, is a long established measure of the health of a community. In 1990, a collaborative effort between the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists established the National Fetal Infant Mortality Review Program. This program was designed to provide direction for community based fetal infant mortality review (FIMR) and promote the FIMR methodology. Seven local initiatives in the United States were funded from 1991-1993 including a program in Norfolk, Virginia that is still in existence today. In 1996, each of the seven Regional Perinatal Councils in Virginia were charged with developing a plan to incorporate the FIMR program in a self selected area in their region by 1997. The diversity of the geography and population in Virginia added to the challenge of program implementation. An examination of FIMR programs over seven years has yielded valuable lessons learned. Through a variety of barriers and challenges that led to creative strategies as well as roadblocks that led to detours, FIMR programs continue in Virginia.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Recognize the importance of a statewide fetal infant mortality review (FIMR) program. 2.Identify three strategies to ensure continuation of the regional FIMR programs.
• List five lessons learned about the ability of Virginia's FIMR programs to implement recommendations.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered