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Project title

Sustainable Design in Maternity Care Services - How design can provide responsible & meaningful interventions

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

Taighde Eireann Research Ireland (UL)

Lead Applicant

Ihsan Kamil

Project Abstract

In 2022, 57,540 babies were born in Ireland [10]. Of these, more than 99% were born in healthcare settings. The future direction of Ireland's maternity services is led by the National Maternity Strategy (NMS), focusing on woman-centred care, normalising pregnancy and birth, and empowering mothers and families [10]. Pregnancy and birth have become more medicalised with increased medical monitoring and interventions [11], [12]. Medicalisation has also led to reduced choices for mothers regarding the care they receive [13]. The NMS seeks to address this by promoting increased choices, particularly in low-risk cases, and incorporating midwifery-led care [14]. Given the escalating global need for sustainability and resource efficiency [15], the focus on mothers’ needs should also be balanced with considerations for sustainability and environmental impact. To achieve this, Research through Design (RtD) and responsible design approaches will be used to balance stakeholder needs and sustainability considerations. Design research methods are exploratory in nature and involve the active participation of stakeholders. This research aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Namely, Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing, and Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. This research centres around using design as a medium to effect meaningful change in maternity care services and global sustainability efforts. The impact of this research spans across disciplines, including design, healthcare, and sustainability. It will translate research findings into conceptual solutions that drive change and promote sustainability within maternity care services. Moreover, this research delves into sensitive areas, namely childbirth and delivery, where experiences differ from mother to mother and utmost care is vital. This necessitates a delicate balance between sustainability considerations and the provision of quality care. Hence, my research can provide guidance on how sustainability efforts and healthcare provision can be balanced without diminishing quality of maternity care provision.

Grant Approved

€34,000.00

Research Hub

Facilitating a Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

n/a

Start Date

01/09/2025

Initial Projected Completion Date

31/08/2026