about WiSSP

Catherine A Reiser, M.S.

WiSSPAC Meets
The WiSSP Advisory Council formally convened on June 15, 1995, at the Waisman Center in Madison for its biannual meeting. In addition to WiSSP staff the following members attended: Ann Conway, R.N., M.S. (Wisconsin Association for Perinatal Care), Susan Davidson, M.D. (St. Marys Hospital Perinatology Center, Madison), Lillian Foote, R.N. (St. Agnes Hospital, Fond du Lac), Margot Grady, M.S. (Wisconsin Association For Perinatal Care, Perinatal Care Committee), Kim Horton, R.N., M.S. (Clinical Genetics Center, Madison), Gladys Kubitz, M.S., R.D. (Wisconsin Division of Health, MCH Section), Sharon List, R.N., M.S.N. (Theda Clark Regional Medical Center, Neenah), Karen Olson, R.N. (St. Francis Medical Center, La Crosse) and Michael Schellpfeffer, M.D. (OB/GYN, Kenosha). Members unable to attend were Chris Antonuzzo and Wade Dalla Grana (parents), Paul Herzog, M.D. (OB/GYN, Madison) and Richard Zuehl, M.D. (Pathology, Manitowoc/Two Rivers). Current activities, program and protocol issues and funding sources were all topics on the agenda.

"Legitimization" of stillborn evaluation as a part of routine practice (or a standard of care) was considered as a reasonably high priority. This should be accomplished by working together with other interested individuals and groups to prepare, for example, a position paper for widespread distribution. We will explore mechanisms to initiate this process early in 1996.

It was agreed that there should be a committment to parent education. Suggested mechanisms include an insert to the WiSSPers newsletter, or the production of fact sheets or an informational booklet. Videotapes specifically for families were not met with as much enthusiasm.

Finally, the issue of WiSSP survival in the era of managed care generated a lively although less than conclusive discussion. The use of public funds to provide WiSSP services, such as diagnostic support and professional education, is likely not a viable long term option. Will the strict structure of managed care allow for monetary and administrative support for such activities? Will professionals and parents advocate strongly enough to ensure that comprehensive stillbirth evaluation continues if a coordinated statewide service is not in place? Hard questions; no easy answers.

CEUs
We have recently been asked if continuing education units are available for the Stillbirth Evaluation videotape series. We certainly think the content and quality of the materials provided justify this request. However, as some of you know, the process for obtaining such approval from the Wisconsin Nurses Association is time consuming and complex. In addition, the credits cannot be awarded retroactively, i.e. if we can give WNA CEU’s it will only be for those nurses who view the series and complete the pre- and post tests after WNA approval has been granted. We need to hear from you before we consider undertaking this lengthy process. We will pursue this only if enough of you tell us that it would be worthwhile. If you have any comments or suggestions, call or write us at the Wisconsin Clinical Genetics Center, Waisman Center, 1500 Highland Avenue, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53705-2280, in care of Casey Reiser, MS, Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program, Room 333 (608-262-9722).