Queensland Perinatal Data Collection within ieMR Facillities

Overview

Initiative type

Model of Care

Status

Deliver

Published

June 2026

Summary

This project describes a digital solution to automate validation and reporting of perinatal data, reducing duplication, improving data quality, and supporting real-time clinical workflows.

Dates: Not available

Implementation sites: Queensland statewide

Aim

To improve the quality and efficiency of perinatal data collection by reducing duplication, enabling real-time validation, and supporting clinicians at the point of care.

Outcomes

  • ~20 minutes returned to clinical care per birth
  • Documentation completeness improved from 47% to 98%
  • Improved data accuracy and usability of ieMR
  • Positive clinician feedback and increased digital literacy

Background

Midwives currently document the same information across multiple systems, creating a significant administrative burden. A time-in-motion study found up to 2.5 hours required for post-birth documentation, with over 100 duplicate data points captured manually. Existing perinatal data collection processes are inconsistent across facilities and often require validation and submission outside core clinical workflows.

Methods

A three-phase improvement approach was used:

  • Phase 1: Statewide review and standardisation of QPDC data elements and workflows
  • Phase 2: Optimisation of ieMR maternity workflows, removal of duplicate fields, and implementation of standardised assessments
  • Phase 3: Development of a Data Validation & Reporting (DV&R) solution

The DV&R solution integrates with ieMR and HBCIS, ingesting data every 30 minutes and applying automated validation rules. Clinicians access dashboards to identify and resolve errors in real time, with automated reporting to the Data Services Branch.

Discussion

The project demonstrates that integrating validation within clinical workflows reduces duplication and improves data quality. Co-design with clinicians ensured alignment with practice, while real-time feedback enabled timely correction of errors. Additional benefits included improved digital literacy, better visibility of service activity, and opportunities for targeted education. The solution supports both clinical and operational decision-making.

References

N/A

Key contact

Keeley Rollins | Bridie Roff

Nursing Director | Assistant Nursing Director

Office of the Chief Clinical Information Officer (OCCIO)

Email: OCCIO@health.qld.gov.au