Preterm Clinical Network Cohort Research Programme (PCN-CRP) v.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Preterm Clinical Network Cohort Research Programme (PCN-CRP) v.1
IRAS ID
344400
Contact name
Andrew Shennan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 31 days
Research summary
The Preterm Clinical Network Cohort Research Programme (PCN-CRP) is a series of studies aiming to reduce preterm birth and the problems it can cause. These studies will investigate tests to predict preterm birth, treatments to prevent it, and how to improve outcomes for babies and women’s experience of care. The programme will be carried out in partnership with Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research and the UK Preterm Clinical Network (UKPCN). This is a network of doctors, midwives and scientists who are working together to prevent the problems associated with preterm birth.
Women at risk of preterm birth will be asked to take part in one or more of the programme’s individual studies (sub-studies). Although more sub-studies will be added in the future, the first four will investigate:• how urine infection affects the chances of preterm birth,
• whether different characteristics (e.g. position and measurements) of previous caesarean section scars, seen by ultrasound, can help to predict the chances of preterm birth and which treatments would work best,
• how many women at risk of preterm birth suffer from poor mental health, what additional support they are offered and whether they accept it, and
• new factors to include in QUiPP, a preterm birth prediction and decision support tool.Future sub-studies will be reviewed and approved by the PCN-CRP’s Steering Committee and NHS Research Ethnics Committee. These may include follow-up studies (involving participants and/or their children), using routinely collected health data, biological sample collection (e.g. blood, urine, vaginal swabs), online questionnaires and interviews. Participants will be kept informed, by regular newsletter and study website, about ongoing studies and results from past studies. Findings will be shared through medical literature, as well as the wider media and PPI social networks, and ultimately will inform further research and national clinical guidelines.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds West Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/YH/0008
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion