Perinatal Mortality National Clinical Audit

Data Collection Type
National data collections of health and social care in Ireland
Organisation

National Perinatal Epidemiology Centre, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 5th Floor, Cork University Maternity Hospital, Wilton, Cork

Year established

2008.

2011 (data collection tool).

Statement of purpose

To address the investigation of perinatal mortality in Ireland from a clinical perspective. To identify modifiable risk factors impacting on adverse perinatal outcomes. This will enhance clinical interpretation of perinatal deaths which will further assist in informing clinical practice, public health interventions and counselling of prospective parents.

Coverage (geographical and temporal)

National.

Data collection commenced in 2008 and is ongoing.

Description/Summary

Designated perinatal mortality data coordinators within all maternity units collate and submit data on all perinatal deaths occurring in their unit to the NPEC using a specific, detailed notification form.

Data users

Maternity services staff, perinatal mortality data coordinators, hospital senior management, hospital risk management, policy developers in the HSE, DOH staff, service users.

Data content

Anonymised data including: maternal details (demographics, past medical history, current pregnancy details including delivery and maternal outcomes); hospital details; Baby details (including cause and timing of death).

Data dictionary

Available on request from npec@ucc.ie

National-level identifier variables

No.

Equity stratifiers

Ethnic group, Occupation, Social capital, Gender

Data collection methodology

Data is submitted either via the secure online NPEC database, or alternatively by paper format.

Clinical coding scheme

NPEC maternal and fetal classification system on cause of death. This was based on the validated Centre for Maternal and Child Enquiries (CMACE) classification system.

Size of national collection

In 2019, similar to previous years, there were 392 cases.

Publication frequency

National NPEC Perinatal Mortality Reports and individual maternity hospital reports published 12-18 months within end of data collection year.

Accessing data

NPEC have a data access policy. Applicants must complete a data request form which is reviewed by a data access committee.

https://www.ucc.ie/en/npec/dataaccesscommittee/dataaccesscommittee/

Open data portal access

No.

Email contact
Telephone contact