Lay summary
Preterm birth, the birth of a pēpi/baby before 37 weeks, is the leading cause of death in children under 5 years and affects the health and wellbeing of many survivors. About two-thirds of early births occur after preterm labour or premature breaking of waters and are considered spontaneous preterm births. There are many reasons why people may be at high-risk of spontaneous preterm birth. Preterm birth clinics or specialist advisors can deliver high-quality care to those at high-risk of spontaneous preterm birth to reduce the chance of an early birth. There are currently only a few preterm birth clinics in Aotearoa and not everyone has access to these. This research aims to assess whether the Carosika Community of Practice programme, which includes connection, education and support, can improve health professionals’ knowledge of high-risk preterm birth care and help them to establish or improve preterm birth services throughout Aotearoa.