Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Tulsa County develop a FIMR?
Oklahoma's infant mortality rate was 25% higher than the national average. (OK= 8.5 vs US = 6.8 deaths per 1000 live births based on 2007 data).
Tulsa County's infant mortality rate has increased from 7.0 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2001 to 9.4 in 2007.
We lack adequate information about what local factors contribute to unacceptably high fetal and infant mortality in our own community.
TFIMR allows us to study these issues and propse ways to assure better infant health, as well as maternal health, for improved fetal development and birth outcomes. Our best resources are the present and future families in our community to develop appropriate strategies for better health.
How is FIMR unique?
The State of Oklahoma has several programs which study specific aspects of childhood mortality or collect similar data for surveillance or research purposes. TFIMR does not attmept to discover fault or assign blame, nor does it conduct original research. TFIMR complements other ongoing efforts in Oklahoma, including:
- The Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Program (SIDS)
- The Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS)
- The Birth Defects Registry
- The Injury Control Program
- The Child Death Review Board
We take a different approach.
TFIMR gathers a unique blend of social, community, and medical information which is not available through any one of these other efforts. Broad-based information is essential for evaluating how well local service delivery systems and community resources serve our women, children, and families.
How does TFIMR work?
Two teams, the Case Review Team and the Community Action Team, work collaboratively in the TFIMR process.
The Case Review Team (CRT): Examine individual, confidential, and anonymous cases by reviewing information collected from a variety of sources. These sources include physician and hospital records, parent interviews, and other relevant documents. The CRT then identifies barriers to care and trends in service delivery and suggests ideas to improve the policies that affect families.
The Community Action Team (CAT): Translates the Case Review Team recommendations into action appropriate for the community and participates in implementing interventions designed to address the identified problems. With the support and cooperation of medical, social service, and other community agencies, TFIMR can make a positive difference.
Why is TFIMR important to me?
Every citizen has a role to play. Community decision-makers help shape positive opinions of the TFIMR program by increasing public awareness.
Health providers and administrators pave the way for expedient and efficient data collection.
Medical Records personnel assist the TFIMR staff in accessing data.
Community agencies participate in the strategy development and implementation of community action plans.
Individuals committed to TFIMR goals may be asked to serve on one of the TFIMR teams.
Families who have experienced the death of a young child provide critical input needed to improve the community system of care and services.