Surveillance of infant mortality and its determinants: a feasibility study of the use of maternity unit data

Infant mortality is an important indicator of population health. Reducing inequalities in infant mortality is a key national target as part of the government aim to reduce inequalities in health outcomes. A national review of the target in 2007 showed that inequalities in infant mortality remain persistent. It also highlighted the need for local surveillance of infant mortality and its determinants. In some regions, continuous infant mortality surveys provide a rich source of data. Maternity units increasingly hold electronic clinical and risk factor information relating to all deliveries, which might be exploited for surveillance.

Further copies from: www.nepho.org.uk