Updating unanswered questions for stillbirth research: refresh of the UK Stillbirth Priority Setting Partnership

Despite UK targets to reduce stillbirth, there has been comparatively less research focused on stillbirth than on other pregnancy complications. This study aimed to ensure that future research addresses the most important contemporary questions regarding stillbirth by updating the 2015 UK Stillbirth Priority Setting Partnership (PSP), in accordance with the James Lind Alliance (JLA), in collaboration with over 30 professional and stakeholder organizations.

The Stillbirth PSP was accepted by the JLA for a refreshed list of priorities in June 2024, and a steering group was formed. A survey was then developed in English to identify potential research questions regarding stillbirth and perinatal death in the UK. The initial survey was open from 3 February 2025 to 7 April 2025, during which professionals and people affected by stillbirth were invited to submit research questions relating to either the causes, impact, prevention or management of stillbirth or pregnancy loss after 20 weeks' gestation. The questionnaire was publicized via social media and by stakeholder organizations. Participants' responses were analyzed, duplicate or out-of-scope questions were removed, and indicative questions were formulated from those submitted. Literature searches were carried out in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PsychInfo to identify which of the submitted questions had been answered in previously published work. The remaining unanswered research questions were carried forward into a second prioritization survey, which was hosted online from 15 September 2025 to 16 October 2025. The research questions at the highest priority level were determined by consensus at a face-to-face workshop in November 2025, involving participants with lived experience and healthcare professionals.

The initial survey received 1261 responses from 525 participants. A further 24 research questions were identified from 10 clinical practice guidelines. Of these 1285 questions, 120 were out of scope. After removing duplicates and combining responses, there were 89 indicative questions. Literature searches determined that 10 questions had been answered previously. The remaining 79 questions were carried forward into the second prioritization survey and were ranked by 441 participants. The top 26 questions were taken to the face-to-face workshop, which prioritized 12 research questions by consensus. The prioritized topics for future research included prediction, prevention, understanding of the causes and management of stillbirth.

This updated Stillbirth PSP indicates that researchers should prioritize studies addressing the identified research priorities, because these reflect the most important research questions for those affected by stillbirth and frontline professionals. © 2026 The Author(s). Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.