Functions of the Victorian Perinatal Data Collection (VPDC)
Collect, collate, analyse and interpret information on and in relation to all births in Victoria
Maintain a register of birth defects diagnosed in children up to 15 years of age and who were born in Victoria
Provide data to the Consultative Council on Obstetric and Paediatric Mortality and Morbidity (CCOPMM) to assist in their process of monitoring and reviewing all perinatal infant, child (up to 18 years of age), and maternal deaths in Victoria
Provide the Victorian data, compliant with the National Perinatal Minimum Data Set, to the National Perinatal Statistics Unit (external link), (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare) (external link) to enable analysis and reporting of national data, and comparison of characteristics and outcomes between States and Territories.
Provide annual feedback to individual hospitals and midwives providing a home birth service, allowing for statewide comparisons of practice and outcomes.
Describe for all Victorian births the demographic, medical and pregnancy history of mothers, the management of their labour and birth and the characteristics of their babies.
Identify risk factors contributing to adverse outcomes of Victorian mothers, their pregnancies, and the health status of their babies.
Identify and monitor trends in perinatal health and birth defects.
Conduct epidemiological studies among pregnant women and infants.
Respond to requests for perinatal and birth defect data from people involved in research, service provision and the study and maintenance of the health of mothers and babies in Victoria.
Assist in the planning, implementation and evaluation of health services for Victorian pregnant women and their babies.
