Coventry University 

Impact of Personalised Care and Continuity of Carer on Disparities in Maternity Outcomes: An Observational Analysis of the CORE20PLUS Population in the West Midlands

In 2016, the national maternity review Better Birth recommended individualised care plans and continuity of carer throughout pregnancy. Local Maternity and Neonatal Systems were tasked with implementing these recommendations, and West Midlands teams have worked to make these services available.

A separate review identified the CORE20PLUS population as more likely to experience poor health outcomes. This group includes people in disadvantaged areas, ethnic minorities, those with long-term conditions, individuals in difficult social situations such as domestic violence or substance abuse, and members of the Traveller community. The West Midlands, the most diverse area outside London, has the highest infant mortality rate in England. Measuring the impact of Better Birth initiatives on pregnancy outcomes in this region is essential.

This project will analyse maternity care data from all West Midlands units from 2015 onward using the Secure Data Environment. We will assess personalised versus non personalised care plans, continuity of carer, and other factors influencing outcomes among women from similar backgrounds. Our patient and public involvement group will guide the research to ensure relevance.

Using advanced statistical methods, we aim to identify effective practices, areas needing improvement, and hidden issues contributing to inequalities. Findings will support targeted interventions and help reduce disparities in maternal health.

This project will contribute original knowledge by measuring the impact of personalised maternity care plans and continuity of carer on reducing maternal health disparities in the West Midlands. It will assess NHS efforts to tackle inequities and may motivate improved practices, while identifying areas needing enhancement and funding.

It will also examine the frequency and outcomes of maternity care models offered to CORE20PLUS women, revealing how care decisions are made and their effects. If certain plans show no benefit, this could prompt research into professional competency and potential bias in care options for underprivileged women.

The study will provide insights into data quality on ethnicity, deprivation, and care plans—key for the LMNS. It may reshape understanding of social and behavioural factors in poor maternity outcomes. Using real clinical data and diverse participants, findings will be clinically relevant and significant nationally and internationally.

06/05/2025

SDE114

West Midlands SDE trusted research environment

Not yet published.