Data timeliness

National Maternal Mortality Data Collection

NMMDC data are collected annually. Most jurisdictions need at least 12–18 months lead time to undertake post-mortem investigations, classification, data entry and validation as required after the end of a data collection period. Deaths subject to coronial inquiry may take longer to finalise.

Timelines for the reporting of 2020 maternal deaths data are outlined in Figure 1. These data were finalised and reported 22 to 23 months after the end of the collection period.

Figure 1: Months since the end of the 2020 calendar period and public reporting of National Maternal Mortality Data Collection, by jurisdiction

The figure shows a bar chart of the months elapsed between the end of the 2020 calendar year plus 42 days, the receipt of data by the AIHW and the public release of National Maternal Mortality Data Collection data.

National Perinatal Mortality Data Collection

The NPMDC data cannot be finalised for a calendar year until all jurisdictional mortality review committee reports that apply to that period are complete. Jurisdictions coordinate and facilitate data collection procedures from service providers and the updating of records.

NPMDC data for 2020 was requested from states and territories on 12 May 2022 for submission to the AIHW by 13 July 2022. Data were received from 7 jurisdictions by this date. Data suppliers in some jurisdictions have given feedback that a request for data 17 months after the end of the collection period is unachievable as some data (particularly pertaining to PSANZ classification codes and contributory factors) are still waiting to be compiled at this stage.

Timelines for reporting perinatal deaths 2020 data are outlined in Figure 2. The NPMDC data for 2020 was finalised and reported 22 to 23 months after the end of the collection period.

Figure 2: Months since the end of the 2020 calendar period and public reporting of National Perinatal Mortality Data Collection, by jurisdiction

This figure shows that the time taken to collate, review and classify deaths as part of the 2020 National Perinatal Mortality Data Collection varied by jurisdiction. The time taken to supply the AIHW with the 2020 perinatal mortality data ranged from 16 to 19 months.