Oklahoma's fetal and infant mortality review projects.

In Oklahoma, the infant mortality rate is higher than the national rate. Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) is an effective perinatal systems intervention. FIMR gathers information from medical, social, and community sources taking a comprehensive look at how well these systems are serving women and infants. It is important to understand that FIMR is a method to develop community-based plans to reduce fetal and infant mortality. It is not a quick-fix solution to a complex problem, a research study, an institutional review, or a system for assigning blame or responsibility for a death. FIMR has been instrumental in identifying what health care providers, community leaders, and citizens can do to improve the health and lives of babies in Oklahoma. Key steps include: (1.) Data abstraction (2.) A home interview (3.) A review of individual case summaries (4.) Development of community-based solutions and interventions designed to improve service systems and resources