FRench Obstetric Surveillance System (FROSS)
In France, a permanent Enhanced Obstetric Surveillance System (FROSS) is currently under development. At present, surveillance activities are mainly focused on maternal mortality, while severe maternal morbidity is studied through non-permanent ad hoc epidemiological surveys.
Contact: encmm@inserm.fr
Mission statement
To monitor maternal mortality and severe maternal morbidity, identify key risk factors and inequalities, and promote actions aimed at improving the quality and safety of maternal care throughout France.
Aims
- Nationwide identification of pregnancy-associated deaths up to one year after the end of pregnancy, using multiple data sources including the linkage of births and deaths registers and hospital discharge data.
- Detailed review of each maternal death by a national expert committee to identify opportunities for improvement in clinical care and healthcare organization.
- Dissemination of results through triennial reports, targeted analyses, and communication of key messages to healthcare professionals and policymakers.
- Development of a permanent surveillance system for severe maternal morbidity, building on the experience of previous studies such as EPIMOMS.
Previous studies
- ENCMM (Enquête Nationale Confidentielle sur les Morts Maternelles): Permanent confidential enquiry system for maternal mortality, including documentation, expert review, and dissemination of findings to improve care and reduce inequalities.
- EPIMOMS Study (2013): A population-based study on severe maternal morbidity in six French regions (20% of national births). The study identified around 2,500 cases of SMM and provided data on risk factors and care improvements.
Current activities
- Continuation of the ENCMM maternal mortality surveillance.
- Development of the FROSS system to establish a permanent surveillance of severe maternal morbidity.
