ERA Care Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploring the Impact of the Emergency Role Allocation (ERA) Care System on Birth and Postpartum Experiences: A Qualitative Study of Women and Birthing People’s Perspectives
IRAS ID
358918
Contact name
Alice Partridge
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Exeter
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 19 days
Research summary
This study aims to explore how women and birthing people experience birth, the early postnatal period, and whether a new digital tool called the Emergency Role Allocation (ERA) Care system helps them access support. This is important because many people find birth emotionally and physically difficult, and some go on to experience trauma or mental health problems. Early support can reduce distress, but many people struggle to get the help they need.
The study focuses on maternity services and early postnatal care. Specifically, it examines the ERA Care system—a new NHS digital tool that sends a check-in text four weeks after birth, asking about physical or emotional difficulties. People who reply may be referred to services like talking therapies or perinatal mental health support. This study will explore how people experience this system and what impact, if any, it has on their wellbeing and help-seeking.
Participants will be women and birthing people aged 18 or over who gave birth under Somerset NHS Foundation Trust and received the ERA Care check-in text. We aim to speak with those who replied to the message as well as those who did not.
The study will take place in Somerset, in partnership with NHS maternity and talking therapy teams. Interviews will be conducted online via Microsoft Teams or over the phone and recorded using Microsoft Teams.
The study is part of a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology at the University of Exeter. It will run from 2025 to 2027. Participants will take part in a one-to-one interview lasting up to 60 minutes. They will be asked about their birth, the support they received afterwards, and their views on the ERA Care system. Interviews will be audio recorded, anonymised, and analysed to identify key themes that can inform service improvements.
REC name
London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/LO/0155
Date of REC Opinion
9 Mar 2026
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion