THE LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Understand the basic epidemiology and definitions of perinatal mortality and stillbirth Recognize the importance of respectful and culturally responsive care for parents and families who have experienced stillbirth or neonatal death Identify the principles of compassionate communication around perinatal bereavement care, using the core elements of the framework provided. Understand the scope and purpose of the CASaND guideline Explain the timing, type, and reasons for the core investigations of a fetal death. Explain the rationale for a high-quality perinatal mortality audit

THE PROCESS/ACTIVITIES:
In partnership with the Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand (PSANZ), the Center for Research Excellence in Stillbirth (Stillbirth CRE) has developed the IMPROVE workshop – IMproving Perinatal Mortality Review and Outcomes Via Education. The workshop utilizes the SCORPIO educational model designed for skills training. This involves 6 small groups rotating around interactive multidisciplinary learning stations that are each facilitated by an experienced educator. Learning stations include: One: Communicating with parents about perinatal autopsy. Two: Autopsy and placental examination. Three: Investigations of stillbirth Four: Examination of babies who die in the perinatal period Five: Perinatal mortality and audit classification Six: Respectful and culturally responsive care.

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION:
IMPROVE is designed to upskill maternity clinicians on best practice care around perinatal death. Participation in interactive skill stations will empower midwives to ensure every family receives the very best care at the worst of times. Additional reading Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth & Perinatal Society of Australia and New Zealand. Care Around Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Clinical Practice Guideline. Centre of Research Excellence in Stillbirth; 2024. Accessed May 31, 2026. https://learn.stillbirthcre.org.au/