The parental interview is at the center of the Fetal Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) program. This program exists within the Metro Health Department to help understand how to make Davidson County the healthiest place to give birth. Those who have suffered a loss can help by taking part in the parental interview, sharing their baby’s story with a trained interviewer. By sharing with the FIMR team, valuable information is gathered to help inform recommendations and structural changes to create a safer world for Nashville’s infants. Parents who have participated in interviews often say that it was a positive experience. It honors their baby’s short life as well as the memory of their precious child.
Interviews typically take an hour, and are held by MPHD’s trained interviewer at a location of your choice. Interviews can also be conducted virtually or by phone. The FIMR interviewer will place no pressure on the interviewee to discuss anything that makes them uncomfortable. The interview typically takes about an hour, though the interviewee is free to end it at any time. A consent form will be shared with to get your consent to conduct the interview.
The list below includes many of the topics that are discussed during the interview:
After the interview, each family’s story is de-identified, removing the name of the parents, baby, hospital and healthcare provider. A summary of the interview is shared with our review team. Each month, a team of local professionals meet and hear the stories of families to look for ways to help our community understand pregnancy and infant loss. This review process creates ways to improve birth outcomes and family services in Nashville/Davidson County.
Those who experience a loss are encouraged to take part in grief support such as a support group, individual or couples counseling. It is important to remember that reactions are individual to each person and can be a part of healing. A healthcare provider or insurance representative can assist with connecting to these services. FIMR staff can also assist in getting connected to grief support services.
