Survey
of Routine Maternity Care and Practices in Canadian Hospitals
In 1980 and
1985, CICH conducted national surveys of obstetrical services in Canadian
hospitals. The first survey showed that obstetrical services did not
respond to the unique physical and emotional needs of women and their
families. In 1993, a greatly expanded questionnaire was sent to almost
600 Canadian hospitals with maternity units. An astounding 91 percent
response rate ensured the findings were fully representative of the
hospital population as a whole.
Released
in November 1995, they survey indicated that, while progress had been
made, many hospitals continue unnecessary, outdated procedures and could
offer women more choices in their care.
FASEout
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and Fetal Alcohol Effects (FAS/FAE) are 100% preventable. When a mother drinks alcohol during her pregnancy she is placing her baby at risk for FAS/FAE. CICH is working to address FAS/FAE at the levels of prevention, diagnosis and intervention.
FASEout: Fetal Alcohol Syndrome/Fetal Alcohol Effects Outreach Project is a four-year project, funded by Health Canada. FASEout is designed to take current evidence on Best Practices relating to FAS and FAE off the bookshelves and into use across Canada. Through collaboration between national non-governmental organizations and grassroots agencies, this project will compare the policies and practices of these organizations and agencies to sets of recommended Best Practices. Urban and rural communities across Canada will be included in this project as either a Pilot Site, a member of the National Advisory Committee or through the Dissemination Phase. Participants from the educational, health, judicial and social service sectors will work to increase awareness and knowledge of FAS/FAE in order to reduce the incidence of FAS/FAE and to improve services to the children and families affected. FASEout will work towards real change in policy and practice.
For more information on FASEout, contact Diana Fox, Project Coordinator at faseout@cich.ca or by telephone at (613) 239-8838 ext. 228.
