ELMO (Empowering Long-term Maternal Outcomes) is a data-driven research project that investigates the long-term effects of different modes of birth (for example instrumental vaginal birth or caesarean section) on maternal outcomes. The project brings together datasets from perinatal care (Perined), general practitioner research networks across the Netherlands (RNFM, FaMe-Net, AHON), and national sources like Statistics Netherlands (CBS) and VEKTIS in the Data-InfrAstructure for ParEnts and childRen (DIAPER) environment of the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM). By linking these data, we gain unique insights into physical and psychological health, work participation, and healthcare costs up to three years postpartum.
We aim to directly inform clinical decision-making, birth planning, health economics, and care innovation.
With ELMO, we aim to uncover the long-term maternal consequences of birth interventions. Our ambition is to inform national guidelines, support early identification of postpartum problems in general practitioner care, and guide shared decision-making during birth planning.
This project is developed in collaboration with midwifery, obstetric, and general practitioner care providers from nationwide research consortia, as well as public health stakeholders including the RIVM (DIAPER), CBS, and VEKTIS. Additionally, the patient representative organisation Buikencollectief has been involved from an early stage to ensure that the research reflects patient-relevant priorities and that no essential topics are overlooked. Through this inclusive approach, we aim to align our outcomes with both societal needs and clinical relevance.
Results are expected to influence postpartum care protocols and health monitoring strategies, and support the development of risk prediction models integrated in general practitioner, midwifery and public health systems.
FemHealthData
Eerstelijnsgeneeskunde en Langdurige Zorg UMCG
Huispostcode FA21
Postbus 196
9700 AD Groningen
