Co-designing a tool for maternal health care for military partners
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Co-designing a tool based on the IMPACT framework to support the development of maternal health policy and services that equitably support partners of serving military personnel
IRAS ID
360341
Contact name
Sarah Neal
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton, Head of Research Ethics and Governance,
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 3 months, 22 days
Research summary
In 2023, the University of Southampton examined maternal health policy through an equity lens and found that, although marginalised groups were acknowledged, concrete and actionable guidance was largely absent. With seed funding, the University partnered with White Ribbon Alliance (WRA) UK to develop a framework for assessing equity in maternal health policy. This work produced the Inequities in Maternal Policy & Care Tracking (IMPACT) Framework, designed to identify, track, and address disparities in maternal healthcare. We are now developing tools to support the design and implementation of policies and services for specific marginalised groups.
One such group is the partners of serving military personnel, whose needs are rarely recognised in maternity policy. Frequent relocations disrupt continuity of care, leading to delays in antenatal and postnatal services and requiring repeated registration with new providers. Newly relocated families may have limited knowledge of available services, while social isolation can further reduce access. Separation from the serving partner increases emotional strain, and maternity providers often have limited understanding of military-specific challenges. Mental health stigma within military communities can also deter care‑seeking, compounding these barriers.
To address these issues, we plan to work with service users and key stakeholders at RAF Brize Norton and Lincolnshire to co‑design a framework that reflects the lived experience of military partners and supports the development of responsive policy and services. As part of this work, we will evaluate an intervention in Lincolnshire aimed at improving access to maternity services for military families. This includes the appointment of a Military Care Navigator, employed through the NHS, who supports families in navigating local maternity pathways. We will partner with Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board to deliver this programme and ensure that learning informs wider policy and service development.
REC name
North East - Newcastle & North Tyneside 2 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/NE/0101
Date of REC Opinion
26 May 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion