Introduction: Value-based healthcare aims to optimize patient outcomes while minimizing healthcare costs. To improve value in maternity care using this strategy, standard outcomes must first be defined. Aim was to define a minimum, internationally appropriate Standard Set of outcome measures for evaluating and improving maternity care with a focus on outcomes that matter most to women.

Methodology: An international Working Group of obstetricians, midwives, neonatologists, registry leaders, outcomes researchers, and consumers representing seven countries and five continents was assembled. Existing literature and current measurement initiatives were reviewed. Serial guided discussions and validation surveys provided consumer input. A series of 8 teleconferences, incorporating a modified Delphi process, were held to reach consensus on the final Standard Set.

Results: The WG selected a concise set of outcomes measures to evaluate care from pregnancy through 6 months postpartum. Key clinical outcomes include maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity, stillbirth, preterm birth, and birth injury. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were included to assess health related quality of life, mental health, mother-infant bonding, confidence and success with breastfeeding, incontinence, and satisfaction with care and birth experience. To support analysis of these outcome measures, pertinent baseline characteristics and risk factor metrics were also defined.

Conclusion: We propose a Standard Set of outcomes for evaluating the care of women from pregnancy through the postpartum period that we recommend all providers track. While validation and refinement via pilot implementation projects is needed, we view this as an initial step towards value-based improvements in maternity care.