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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.
Infant Mortality and Adverse Birth Outcomes
Contact the Maternal and Child Health Section
- 850-245-4465
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Fax
850-245-4047 -
Mailing Address
4052 Bald Cypress Way, Bin A13
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1721
What is Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR)?
FIMR is a process of community-based fetal and infant mortality reviews aimed at addressing factors and issues that affect infant mortality and morbidity. It is anticipated that the knowledge gained through the reviews will empower 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 which supports case review and interventions at the local level.Why Do We Need the FIMR Project?
The methodical investigation of the diverse factors that contribute to individual deaths allows communities to respond to the needs that are identified by the reviews.How Does the Process Work?
A Local Fetal and Infant Mortality Committee reviews cases of death and 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. The 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 others important to the individual reviews.
A Community Review Panel (often called the Community Action Group) of local experts, representatives of the local Department of Health, hospital, medical society and other health professional groups, community leaders, school, civic and business leaders, and consumers implement the recommendations of the Community Case Review Team.
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