232176 Using state surveillance systems to track infertility risks and outcomes

Monday, November 8, 2010 : 8:55 AM - 9:15 AM

Bruce B. Cohen, PhD , Division of Research and Epidemiology, Center for Health Information, Statistics, Research and Evaluation, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA
  
State based surveillance systems can be used to track infertility and sub-fertility in two ways: 1) collecting data directly on risks and outcomes of infertility and sub-fertility; and 2) linking state surveillance data to systems that record the use fertility assistance such as the National Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance System (NASS) developed and maintained by the Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This paper will explore the current status and future potential of state based systems such as birth and fetal death registries, hospital discharge data bases, the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), and the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) for population-based infertility and sub-fertility surveillance. Existing strengths and weaknesses and data gaps will be described. Finally, the potential of newly emerging state data systems such as complex linked files and all payer claims data bases will be discussed.

Learning Areas:
Epidemiology
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
Please see session 30001 learning objectives

Keywords: Surveillance, Reproductive Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am acting co-chair of National Action Plan on infertility Surveillance workgroup. I also am principal investigator on an ongoing project linking the CDC National Assisted Reproductive Technology Surveillance System with Massachusetts birth, fetal death , and linked infant mortality data bases.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

Back to: 3025.0: A Public Health Focus on Infertility