Data Resource Profile: Maternity Services Dataset (MSDS)

IntroductionThe Maternity Services Dataset (MSDS) is a comprehensive administrative dataset, capturing detailed information on NHS-funded maternity services in England. It encompasses the full maternity care pathway. There are two versions of the dataset: MSDS V1.5, introduced in May 2015, and the updated MSDS V2.0, which replaced it in April 2019. MethodsMSDS is a secondary-use dataset, repurposing clinical and operational data primarily for monitoring, commissioning, and auditing purposes. Data is submitted monthly by trusts, enabling NHS England to generate a national picture of maternity activity and publish official statistics. Patient identifiers enable linkage with other NHS datasets, such as Hospital Episode Statistics (HES). ResultsThe dataset includes demographic, clinical, and organisational information for each pregnant person and their baby, such as appointment dates, diagnoses, delivery details, birthweight, and neonatal admissions. Provider and geographical data are also recorded. Data quality varies due to the classification of variables as mandatory, required, or optional. Most variables are required, meaning submission is expected when applicable, but not enforced