Investigating the use of digital technologies to support multiple birth families by providing guidance and information that will lead to better clinical outcomes.
Researchers
Elizabeth Bailey
Research background
Multiple pregnancy is associated with in increased likelihood of pregnancy complications for the mother such as preterm birth and pre-eclampsia, concerns over fetal growth and the need for careful neonatal observation. A recent report by MBRRACE-UK highlighted that in cases where a baby or babies had died following a twin pregnancy, half of deaths could have been prevented with improved care with adherence to existing guidance.
As set out by the Maternity Transformation plan; Better Births, there is a drive to increase digital information to support improved choice and care and a national rollout of electronic maternity records is underway with the support of NHSx. In such a dynamic time of digital transformation in the NHS it is important for the needs of multiple birth families to be recognised.
The Topol Fellowships aim to build on the findings of the Topol Review by supporting health professionals to improve digital innovation and uptake in the NHS. The Topol Fellowship programme is designed to support Fellows to develop new skills and knowledge with regard to digital project management through targeted seminars and workshops, as well as access to the Topol cohorts for networking and collaboration.
Research aims
Throughout the Fellowship, the use of local and national level digital processes will be explored and map to look for opportunities to support the care of multiple pregnancies and to plan for multiple births with a view to improving clinical outcomes.
Research methods
To meet the aims of this project, current pathways will be mapped and explored with regard to how they accommodate multiple pregnancy care pathways and facilitate data collection. The potential of the digital system to support the adherence to national clinical guidelines on multiple pregnancy will be evaluated. A digital pathway to support Antenatal Care and multidisciplinary communication for twin and triplet pregnancy will be developed.
Intended outcomes
The project proposed within the Topol Fellowship aims to support guideline-informed care for multiple pregnancy through the addition of digital tools.
The Topol Review — NHS Health Education England (hee.nhs.uk)