Perinatal mortality in Norway: experience with perinatal audit.

In order to improve perinatal service, special committees have been established in every county in Norway. These committees are responsible for making local guidelines and performing inquiries (audits) of all perinatal deaths. The focusing upon avoidable and possibly avoidable factors and identification of suboptimal care seems to be valuable in improving the quality of medical work. In 1989 the perinatal mortality was 7.8 per 1000 births.