For: Dr. Tom Miller
About: Infant Mortality
With: Robert Williams, Reporter for The Local News
When: 11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9
Type: Phone Call
Summary
Robert is a new reporter for The News. He covers health care and business. This interview is for a large multiple-source weekend story about infant mortality as part of Infant Mortality Awareness Month. Other likely sources include The Allen County Health Department and Lima Memorial Hospital.
Potential questions and answer guidelines.
Use these as a guide. There will likely be additional similar questions. Answer in words you are comfortable with and using your expertise.
What are the causes of infant mortality?
The primary causes of infant mortality are premature birth, birth defects, SIDS, maternal complications and injury.
How prevalent is it in Allen County?
In 2012, there were 12 infant deaths out of 1,278 births for an infant mortality rate of 9.39.
Is it improving?
The county numbers this year are worse than average for the county, but better than the state average.
Statistically, Allen County’s numbers are small enough to fluctuate wildly. Between 2007 and 2012 the mortality rate has ranged from 3.14 to 9.39. we saw the highest rate in 2012 and the lowest in 2011. On average, the rate over those 6 years is 6.68.
How does that compare to the state?
Statewide, there were 1,047 infant deaths in 2012. The mortality rate was 7.57. Statewide, the mortality rate has dropped from 7.71 in 2007, to 7.57 in 2012.
What does St. Rita’s do to prevent infant deaths.
We provide education for prospective parents as part of maternity care, stressing wellness for mother and baby. We work to inform parents of the pre and post-birth caused of infant death.
Stress the preventative information programs in place in your office. Also mention that Pastoral Care offers grief counseling.
Our promise:
Make healthcare easier
Treat the whole patient, body, mind and spirit
Provide the best care possible
Data Sources: