Recognition of clinical characteristics for population‐based surveillance of fetal alcohol syndrome

Abstract

Documentation in medical records during clinical evaluations for FAS is lower than optimal for cross-provider communication and surveillance purposes. Lack of documentation limits the quality and quantity of information in records that serve as a major source of data for public health surveillance systems.

Association of Pregnancy-Specific Alcohol Policies With Infant Morbidities and Maltreatment

“…Second, outcomes are based on claims data, which is one of the few options for assessing study outcomes. Although an ideal study would examine fetal alcohol spectrum disorder directly, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder surveillance systems vary considerably across states and are not in place in all states; there are also considerable concerns with variations among and underreporting in these systems . Although national databases tracking child maltreatment exist, these databases track reports to CPS and outcomes of these reports rather than maltreatment.…”

“…Although an ideal study would examine fetal alcohol spectrum disorder directly, fetal alcohol spectrum disorder surveillance systems vary considerably across states and are not in place in all states; there are also considerable concerns with variations among and underreporting in these systems. 30,31 Although national databases tracking child maltreatment exist, 32 these databases track reports to CPS and outcomes of these reports rather than maltreatment. The reports are also likely influenced by the CPS reporting policies we propose to study 33 and, thus, may measure policy compliance, rather than maltreatment.…”