Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR)

Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) is an action-oriented evidence based community review process that reviews fetal and infant deaths, works at the community level to formulate programs and influence policy that will lead to improving birth outcomes. The goal is to assess, monitor, and work to improve service systems and community resources for women, infants, and families.

Currently, there are FIMR projects in Davidson County, Hamilton County, Knox County and Shelby County.

In 2018, infant mortality reduction stakeholders met to update the Infant Mortality Strategic Plan. The new updated plan from 2018-2023 can be found HERE.

Key Steps in the FIMR Process

A team is notified of a fetal or infant death through either hospital notification or vital records.
Information about the infant death is gathered. Sources include public health and medical records.
An interview with the mother who has suffered the loss is conducted, if the mother agrees. Professionals with training in grief counseling assess the needs of the family and refer to bereavement support and community resources.
The Case Review Team composed of health, social service and other experts from the community review this summary of case information and the interview, identify issues and make recommendations for community change, if appropriate.
The Community Action Team, a diverse group of community leaders, review Case Review Team recommendations, prioritize identified issues, then design and implement interventions to improve service systems and resources.

CONFIDENTIALITY:
Confidentiality of all information is strictly maintained.
That means that names of the mother, provider and institution are removed.