The Michigan Maternal Mortality Surveillance (MMMS) and Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) programs recently released aligned recommendations at improving outcomes across the maternal and infant health continuum.
MMMS reviews cases of maternal deaths that occur during pregnancy, at delivery or within one year of pregnancy. The committee determines the cause of death, reviews processes and recommends policy recommendations to prevent future deaths. FIMR is an evidence-based process to identify and analyze factors that contribute to fetal and infant deaths. Through a community-based, action-oriented framework, FIMR brings together local health providers, consumers, advocates and leaders to identify strengths and areas for improvement that can inform new policies and strengthen systems of care.
As part of the 2020-2023 Mother Infant Health Equity Improvement plan, MMMS and FIMR were tasked with collaborating to align actionable and locally relevant recommendations. Together, the programs have worked to coordinate and elevate recommendations to prevent maternal, fetal and infant deaths.
The brief highlights shared themes and calls to action for prevention and system improvement of:
- Policies regarding systems of care, prevention initiatives, screening and treatment programs
- Training and education
- Access to quality care
- Provider and patient communication
- Addressing social determinants of health
- Care coordination and provider-to-provider communication
- Addressing safety concerns
Members are encouraged to review the brief and use the data by identifying recommendations that can be implemented locally, using the information to strengthen community improvement plans and raising awareness among decision-makers and policymakers.
Members with questions may contact the MHA policy team.