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Developing a diagnostic framework to understand and reduce maternity disparities (Dr Pedro Melo)

PROJECT TITLE

Developing a diagnostic framework to understand and reduce maternity disparities

SUPERVISORS

 

DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT

Marked ethnic and socioeconomic disparities persist in UK maternity outcomes. Black women remain 3.7 times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after childbirth than White women, while Asian women face a 1.8-fold higher risk. Black babies are more than twice as likely to be stillborn compared with White babies, and similar inequalities exist for miscarriage and preterm birth.

Current approaches to studying maternity inequalities are fragmented, often focusing on single factors in isolation. This project aims to develop a diagnostic framework and set of tools to identify and quantify the drivers of maternity disparities in the UK. Building on work by the NIHR Maternity Disparities Consortium and Tommy’s network of centres, the framework will investigate how different biological, behavioural, health system, socioeconomic, discrimination-related, and environmental domains contribute to health inequalities in maternity care.

The project will involve:

  1. Synthesising evidence on contributory factors and existing health disparity frameworks.
  2. Conducting key informant interviews with clinicians, policymakers, and patients.
  3. Co-developing and validating a rapid diagnostic tool to identify priority areas for intervention.
  4. Piloting the tool in real-world maternity settings to test feasibility and refine methodology.

The long-term goal is to enable healthcare systems to rapidly identify where and why inequalities exist, and to guide targeted, evidence-informed interventions.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

The student will gain training in mixed-methods research, including systematic review, qualitative interviewing, health systems analysis, and data integration. They will work closely with the multidisciplinary Tommy’s network (Oxford, Birmingham, Manchester, London), gaining exposure to applied research in health equity, epidemiology, and maternal outcomes.

They will also have access to postgraduate training resources and seminars within the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health.

Funding Information

Funded by the Tommy’s Charity. We will additionally support students in their application for independent scholarships.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this research degree, please click here.