Establishing a multidisciplinary research network and developing research priorities for preconception health in Scotland

Health and behaviours of parents before pregnancy (preconception) impact the health of women, children and families. Research shows lack of awareness, understanding and engagement in health promoting behaviours before pregnancy in Scottish men and women, especially those living in deprived areas. There is a need for cohesive collaboration among multidisciplinary researchers and stakeholders to co-design research priority areas which will improve health and wellbeing of families throughout Scotland. This project will:

1. Establish and develop the Scottish Preconception Health Research Network (SPHRN) which will bring together multidisciplinary, preconception health researchers and clinicians from across Scotland.
2. Co-design research priorities for preconception health research in Scotland with key stakeholders.
3. Set up a patient public involvement and engagement (PPIE) database to facilitate stakeholder involvement in future research. These aims will be met through networking events and two large scale surveys. Outcomes will facilitate impactful, multidisciplinary research and subsequent implementation of findings.