The MatDAT is a new standardised tool for assessing social complexity in maternity, based on women and birthing people’s broad social needs. It guides midwives to identify the appropriate care level and assists with providing personalised care and planning appropriate support. The tool supports multi-disciplinary communication and helps services plan resource allocation.

This course is a companion to the MatDAT resource, introducing the assessment and planning tool. It includes animations, case studies and reflective activities.

Learning outcomes:

• Knowledge and understanding:​ Recognise the diverse challenges faced by women and birthing people with social complexities, including severe disadvantage when accessing maternity services.
• Values: Reflect on how the MatDAT could improve equity of access and outcomes across services and contribute to personalised care and support planning.
• Skills:​ Follow the pathway for adapting the MatDAT for your local service.​ Build confidence in using the MatDAT in your clinical practice to benefit women and birthing people and their babies.

This module relates to the following NMC Future midwife standards of proficiency for midwives:

Domain 3 - Universal care for all women and newborn infants

and

Domain 4 - Additional care for women and newborn infants with complications.

Feedback:

"Good use of video and interactive content"
"Excellent will definitely be looking at introducing this tool"
"As a student midwife it was interesting to learn about this new tools which could help us to support women with complex needs more effectively"

Study time: 15 minutes

Published: May 2024