CompletedNot ApplicableInterventional

A clinical decision tool to improve pregnancy outcomes by improving risk assessment and maternity care

This study is checking a new online tool called Tommy's Pathway. Every year, thousands of pregnancies in the UK face problems like pre-eclampsia (a serious pregnancy condition), stillbirth (a baby dying before or during birth), or premature birth (a baby born very early). These can have a big impact on families. This new tool helps doctors and midwives figure out which pregnant people might be at higher risk of these problems. It also guides them to use the best national advice for care. The study will compare hospitals using this tool with those not using it to see if it makes pregnancy safer. If it works, it could be used in all hospitals to give every pregnant person the best possible care.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Phase

Not Applicable

Sponsor

University of Bristol

Enrolment target

62,400

Start

01 Jul 2025

Estimated completion

01 Apr 2026

Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy

What is this study about?

Imagine a helpful online guide for doctors and midwives that helps them give the best care during pregnancy. That's what this study is all about! Every year, many pregnancies in the UK are affected by serious conditions like pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy that can be dangerous), stillbirth (when a baby dies before or during birth after 24 weeks), and premature birth (when a baby is born too early). These problems can be very hard on families, and often affect the baby's health.

At the moment, it can sometimes be tricky to tell who is most at risk of these problems, especially if it's someone's first pregnancy. Also, hospitals might not always have all the resources needed to keep up with the latest national advice. This study is testing a new website tool, called Tommy's Pathway, which has been created with input from pregnant people themselves. It helps healthcare professionals quickly work out a person's risk of these problems and gives them clear, up-to-date guidance on how to provide the best care.

The study will involve many hospitals across England. Some hospitals will use the new Tommy's Pathway tool, while others will continue with their usual care for a while. By comparing the results from these different hospitals, the researchers want to find out if the tool really helps reduce pre-eclampsia, stillbirths, and premature births. They also want to see if it makes care better for mothers and babies, and if it saves money for the NHS. If it proves to be useful, the goal is for this tool to be used in all maternity hospitals across the UK, making pregnancy safer for everyone.

Key takeaways

The study tests a new online tool, Tommy's Pathway, to make pregnancy safer.
It aims to help doctors and midwives better spot risks like pre-eclampsia, stillbirth, and early birth.
Hospitals will either use the new tool or continue with their usual care.
No extra tests or appointments are needed for people taking part.
The goal is to improve care for all pregnant people in the UK and reduce complications.
Information from your standard medical notes will be used to see if the tool works.

Who may be eligible?

If you are pregnant and receiving your maternity care at an NHS hospital participating in this study in England, you might be included. The study is particularly looking at larger maternity units, those that have over 3,000 births each year, to make sure there's enough data to properly test the tool.

Basically, if your hospital is taking part, you'll be included in the study. You don't need to do anything extra to join. It's designed to look at how the tool works within the standard care you receive.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you pregnant?
Are you receiving your maternity care at an NHS hospital in England?
Is your hospital a larger maternity unit (likely to have over 3,000 births a year)?
Is your hospital one of the ones specifically invited to take part in this study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is set up so that whole hospitals either use the new tool or continue with their normal care. This means you won't personally choose which group you're in; it depends on which hospital you receive care from.

If your hospital is chosen to use the new Tommy's Pathway tool, your doctors and midwives will use it to help assess your risk of certain pregnancy problems and guide your care. If your hospital is in the group that continues with usual care, your pregnancy care will remain the same as it would have been before the study.

No extra appointments or medications are involved for you. The study will simply collect information that is already recorded in your hospital maternity notes, starting from your first booking appointment until four weeks after your baby is born. The total duration of your involvement in terms of data collection would be the length of your pregnancy plus 28 days.

Potential risks and benefits

One potential benefit of this study is that if your hospital is using the new tool, it might help your healthcare team spot any potential pregnancy problems earlier and offer you the right care at the right time. This could mean fewer unnecessary tests for some, and closer monitoring or specialist care for others who really need it. The main goal is to reduce serious pregnancy complications. There are no direct risks to you from taking part, as the study only observes the care already being given or suggested by the tool; it doesn't involve new tests or treatments for you personally. All participating hospitals will provide valuable information to help improve maternity care for future mothers and babies. Remember, you can always discuss your care and any concerns with your healthcare team at any time.

Locations (4)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

North Bristol NHS Trust
City only
Bristol, United Kingdom
Royal United Hospital Bath (maternity)
City only
Bath, United Kingdom
The Princess Alexandra Hospital
City only
Harlow, United Kingdom
Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Blackpool, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is pre-eclampsia?

Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition that can develop during pregnancy, involving high blood pressure and sometimes problems with organs like the kidneys or liver. It needs close monitoring.

What is a stillbirth?

A stillbirth is when a baby dies after 24 weeks of pregnancy, either before or during birth.

What is preterm birth?

Preterm birth means a baby is born too early, before 37 full weeks of pregnancy. Babies born very early may need special hospital care.

Will I know if my hospital is using the new tool?

The study design means whole hospitals are either using the tool or not. While you won't individually choose, your doctors and midwives will be following the care pathway decided for your hospital as part of the study.

Who created the Tommy's Pathway tool?

The Tommy's Pathway tool was developed by The Tommy's National Centre for Maternity Improvement, with lots of input from women who have experienced pregnancy complications themselves.

How to find out more

Christy Burden

christy.burden@bristol.ac.uk +44 (0)1179289000 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.