Birth Certificate Accuracy

The Birth Certificate Initiative aimed to achieve at least 95% consistency between birth certificate data and the medical record. This goal was met for 14 out of 17 key variables through a combination of medical record/birth certificate audits and collaborative learning focused on best practices.

View Webinars and Birth Certificate Initiative Toolkit

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10%

The increase in birth certificate accuracy among participating hospitals.

95+%

Accuracy achieved on 14 of 17 key variables. The remaining 3 variables are all above 93% accuracy.

Birth certificates are a critical source of information on birth, birth outcomes, and maternal health

The initiative included targeted education for physicians, nurses, and birth certificate clerks to support ongoing improvement. More than 100 birthing hospitals across Illinois participated in this statewide effort.

Initiative Aim and Outcome

The overall accuracy for all 17 key variables increased from 87% at baseline (2014) to 97% in December 2015, a 10% increase.

Objectives
1. Improve birth certificate accuracy to 95% on 17 key birth certificate variables across Illinois hospitals by December 2015

Resources

Our goal is to keep you informed and equipped with evidence-based resources that advance maternal and infant health. We invite you to explore our updates and share in the work of improving outcomes for all families.

Stay engaged. Stay informed. Together, we make care better.

View Webinars and Birth Certificate Initiative Toolkit