The UK Preterm Clinical Network (UKPCN) is a network of doctors, midwives and researchers who are working to prevent the problems associated with preterm birth. This work includes the surveillance of women at risk in order to offer timely interventions to both prevent premature labour and reduce morbidity and mortality associated with preterm birth if it cannot be prevented.   The UKPCN was established with the aim of improving care and outcomes for women at risk of preterm birth through the sharing of a wealth of experience and knowledge, and the building clinical and research collaborations.  The PCN Database is fundamental to achieving this.  

Preterm Clinical Network Cohort Research Programme (PCN-CRP)

Would you like an efficient and easy way to collect clinical data for local audit, and also contribute to research to improve care and outcomes?  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. We are delighted to say that this programme has received ethical approval and has been accepted onto the NIHR portfolio, which means research midwives will be able to help with recruitment and data collection.

Women at risk of preterm birth can take part in one or more of the programme’s sub-studies investigating:

• 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.

The programme is being carried out in partnership with Tommy’s National Centre for Preterm Birth Research.  For more information, and to complete a short expressions of interest form, click here.