Current and Past Research Projects

Overview

At Fernandez, we firmly believe that rigorous and top-tier research yields superior standards of care. This emphasis on research is the cornerstone of our commitment to an evidence-based and protocol-driven approach to maternal and child care. Furthermore, it enables us to realise our overarching goal of providing equitable healthcare to all individuals. Through dedicated research efforts, we continually unearth novel interventions, enhance the efficacy of current methods, and devise economically efficient solutions. Our research endeavours are not solitary pursuits; instead, they thrive through strong collaborations with government entities as well as national and international organisations. These partnerships are vital in fostering a holistic environment where innovative ideas and cutting-edge solutions can flourish, ultimately benefiting the health and well-being of mothers and their children.

Ongoing Research Projects

Project 1 Midwifery - The Strengthening Midwifery Leadership in India: An Evaluation of Global Health Partnership

This is a funding project sponsored by Tropical Health and Educational Trust (THET) and led by Kate Stringer. The project aims to strengthen the leadership qualities of Midwives in India by evaluating the Global Health Partnership. The study is intended to be carried out for six months and started in September 2022, with an estimated total budget of 1.49L.

The program objective is to use semi-structured qualitative interviews to explore the experiences of midwives working in a global health partnership between the UK and India. The sponsoring agency is the Tropical Health and Educational Trust (THET). This program gives us new perspectives and helps us to learn and comprehend how to improve midwifery leadership and practices.

Project 2 Can we predict abnormal neurodevelopment based on placental pathology?

The FCDC is conducting a research program to study the role of placental pathology in predicting the neurodevelopmental outcomes of the child. The Placental Study (A) aims to regulate the recruitment procedures, placental collection, and investigation across both centres. The Neurodevelopmental Outcomes study (B) aims to reach a consensus on the tools to detect neurodevelopmental abnormalities across both centres. Additionally, a parallel research program with CA.READO, St John's Medical College Hospital (SJMCH) to identify the role of the placenta and its possible outcomes that might influence neurodevelopmental disorders.

Study A: Placental Study

Primary Objective: To standardise the procedures of recruitment, placental collection, storage, and investigation across both centres.

Secondary Objectives: Create SOPs placental collection, storage and investigation methods and standardize it across both centers. Standardize methods for molecular analysis of placenta.

Past Research Projects

Project 1 QuaMiS Study - Improving maternal and neonatal outcomes through implementing Quality Midwifery Services in India: a case study of facilitators and barriers.

This study was a Medical Research Council (MRC) sponsored project led by Dr Paridhi Jha and Sowmya Thota, which was planned to start in 2020 but got delayed due to COVID-19 restrictions and, started in December 2021. The estimated budget in lakhs was 4.2 lakhs, of which 1.07L was received. The project was intended to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes through quality midwifery services.

Project 2 Exploring the role of workplace bullying as a barrier to health system objectives through the lens of midwifery services in India.

This was a sponsored project funded by the City, University of London and led by Dr Susan Bradley as Principal Investigator and Dr Radha Reddy as Co-Investigator. The study was started in 2020 and carried out for 18 months. The estimated total budget for the project was 1.31 L, which was successfully completed and submitted to Dr Susan Bradley, City, University of London. The study was intended to rule out workplace bullying as a health system barrier to achieving the institute's objectives or services from the midwifery point of view.

Project 3 IMAGINE - Development, Implementation and Evaluation of Midwifery Units as a response to human resource and respectful care challenges.

This project was also sponsored by the City, University of London and led by Dr Susan Bradley as Principal Investigator and Ms Inderjeet Kaur as Co-Investigator. It was carried out for 12 months from 2020 with an estimated budget of 3.07L. The study's objectives were to develop, implement, and evaluate midwifery units in response to the health care and human resources challenges.

Project 4 Feasibility and Impact of Low-Dose High-Frequency Simulation Training and Mentoring delivered via the digital platform on Key Midwifery Skills among Midwives in Afghanistan.

This funded project, sponsored by the Japanese Supplementary Budget and led by Dr. Sreejit, lasted 12 months and started in March 2021. The estimated total budget of the project was 16.21 L. The study tested the feasibility and impacts of training and mentoring key midwifery skills via a digital platform.