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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
MUSA Wales- Nationwide improvement programme strengthening quality and safety in Midwifery Led Units
1
Midwifery Unit Network, Independent midwifery consultant, WELSHPOOL, United Kingdom
2
City University, Research, London, United Kingdom
3
Powys Teaching Health Board, Maternity, Brecon, United Kingdom
4
Aneurin Bevan UHB, Maternity, Aneurin Bevan, United Kingdom
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A577
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE:
KEY MESSAGE
PURPOSE:
To explore the implementation and impact of the MUSA (Midwifery Unit Self-Assessment) Framework as a national quality improvement approach in Wales, led by consultant midwives to enhance person-centred care in midwifery-led units (MLUs).
DISCUSSION:
Midwifery-led units are associated with excellent outcomes, positive service-user experiences, and cost-effective care for low-risk pregnancies (Scarf et al., 2018; Birthplace Study Group, 2011). Despite UK policy support for expanding MLUs (NICE, 2014), many face closure due to variable quality, workforce pressures, and inconsistent strategic support. In response, consultant midwives in Wales adopted the MUSA Framework collaboratively across all health boards—an unprecedented national approach. This peer-led process enabled standardised self-assessment, local reflection, and co-production with Staff, women, families, and stakeholders.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Evidence The MUSA Wales project aligns with Welsh Government priorities for equitable, person-centred maternity care (Welsh Government, 2019; 2025). Early findings show strengthened leadership, improved service consistency, and increased engagement of midwives and service users in quality improvement. Evaluation is ongoing, with plans to link MUSA to national accreditation and workforce development strategies.
KEY MESSAGE
PURPOSE:
To explore the implementation and impact of the MUSA (Midwifery Unit Self-Assessment) Framework as a national quality improvement approach in Wales, led by consultant midwives to enhance person-centred care in midwifery-led units (MLUs).
DISCUSSION:
Midwifery-led units are associated with excellent outcomes, positive service-user experiences, and cost-effective care for low-risk pregnancies (Scarf et al., 2018; Birthplace Study Group, 2011). Despite UK policy support for expanding MLUs (NICE, 2014), many face closure due to variable quality, workforce pressures, and inconsistent strategic support. In response, consultant midwives in Wales adopted the MUSA Framework collaboratively across all health boards—an unprecedented national approach. This peer-led process enabled standardised self-assessment, local reflection, and co-production with Staff, women, families, and stakeholders.
EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Evidence The MUSA Wales project aligns with Welsh Government priorities for equitable, person-centred maternity care (Welsh Government, 2019; 2025). Early findings show strengthened leadership, improved service consistency, and increased engagement of midwives and service users in quality improvement. Evaluation is ongoing, with plans to link MUSA to national accreditation and workforce development strategies.
FUNDING
National consultant midwife-led collaboration using the MUSA Framework demonstrates a scalable, evidence-informed model for improving the quality, visibility, and sustainability of midwifery-led care. It provides a replicable approach to embedding person-centred care through peer support, co-production, and shared learning.
Poster session 2 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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