Process mapping is done and improvements are underway. Each pilot hospital has not only identified areas to improve that will enable them to abstract birth certificate data more accurately, but they have also become more familiar with variable definitions.
The National Center for Health Statistics has created the Guide to Completing the Facility Worksheets for the Certificate of Live Birth and Report of Fetal Death. This document defines each birth certificate variable, provides tips for entry, highlights the best source in the patient record to obtain information, and provides keywords and abbreviations that may be used by providers when documenting clinical care. This tremendous resource has been reviewed with each registrar to create an awareness on the specific definition for the 11 variables they are aiming to improve.
Taking the time to review current workflows and gaining insights on available resources is proving invaluable to participants in this pilot as they work to optimize their job responsibilities.