Programs

Existing Canadian maternal surveillance systems and data repositories collect information on some demographic and clinical variables, however, these data do not capture contextual and process-related factors that contribute to SMM (e.g., missed early warning signs, inappropriate care coordination, poor communication). Particularly, systemic factors that contribute to the quality of care provided to Indigenous, Black, gender diverse, 2SLGBTQA+, and racialized people are not often identifed. Therefore, it was identified that Canada would benefit from an OSS, that would serve to complement existing epidemiological systems, to improve the care and health of pregnant individuals. The Canadian Obstetric Survey System (CanOSS) is being designed in collaboration with clinicians and community members. To date, efforts have been made to determine its feasibility,  with support from various grants. A national knowledge-creation Hub, that included collaboration with persons with lived SMM experience and members of marginalized communities, has also been developed to develop knowledge mobilization tools, educational supports, and implementation strategies that will support CanOSS.