Parallel Pathways

What is this project about?

Parallel Pathways is a research project exploring experiences of reproductive care. It focuses on how repeated encounters across different reproductive care pathways shape our experiences of healthcare. 

What are the aims of the project?

The project seeks to answer the research question:
What would reproductive care look like if familiarity were recognised, expected, and used to support better, more personalised care?

In practice, the aims are to:

  • Explore how previous experiences of care shape patient experiences and identify how this knowledge can be used to improve reproductive healthcare 

  • Examine and further develop ideas emerging from the Patient Tutor programme

  • Facilitate knowledge sharing and dialogue on this topic

  • Establish a proof of concept to inform future research and enable broader collaborative work with relevant organisations

Who is the project run by?

This is an independent project, I am running this project as an independent individual. The project has emerged from and is informed by my experiences as a Patient Tutor for the Nuffield Department for Women’s and Reproductive Health. The project is designed in line with established research ethics principles, informed by my professional experience in public engagement and research and evaluation. More details about my professional experience are available on my website and linkedin. This project is a pilot and my hope is that it will lead to more expansive future collaborations.

Who can take part?

The survey is open to anyone who has experienced:

  • Fertility treatment

  • Pregnancy loss

  • Pregnancy

  • Related reproductive healthcare

You do not need any specific background or expertise - only your personal experience. The project focuses on the impact of repeated experiences of reproductive healthcare and therefore the questions will feel most relevant to people with more than one experience of reproductive healthcare, however, contributions are welcome from all who feel they have relevant experience to share.

The Participant Survey will available here from July 2026.

Is participation voluntary?

Participation is voluntary and all of the questions are optional. The survey touches on sensitive experiences, you are invited to share your thoughts if you feel able to do so. Your reflections would be deeply valued but you should stop at any point if the process feels uncomfortable or distressing.

What will happen to my response?

The survey is anonymous and all responses will be stored securely and will only be used in accordance with the research and knowledge sharing aims detailed above. 

Findings may be shared through reports, presentations, or development work for future projects. Direct quotations may be used in the presentation of the findings however care will be taken to ensure that no identifiable information is shared publicly - this will include the careful review and, if necessary, editing of quotations to remove any details about rare circumstances that could lead to identification. If you have any questions or concerns please contact me via the project contact form.

A separate form is available on the Parallel Pathways project page to sign up to receive updates on this project or related projects in women’s healthcare. The additional form is designed to protect the anonymity of the survey responses.

How can I provide feedback?

The survey has been designed with the help of Patient Tutors, whilst many of us have experienced complicated reproductive journeys, our tutoring work focuses on pregnancy loss and pregnancy after loss and this is where we have the greatest lived experience. I would welcome feedback on how to make the research more inclusive to other fertility-related healthcare.