User engagement in the delivery and design of maternity services.

User engagement is defined as a mutual exchange of information between the patient and the health professional, which has shown to improve patient experience as well as outcomes. Engaging the patient is vital for the healthcare system to remain sustainable. The National Health Service has attempted to incorporate and enhance patient engagement in the delivery of maternity services for the last decade. The financial crisis, changing socio-demographic status, increase in birth rate and public expectations-engaging the patient to take responsibility of their own health has not been achieved. Through in-depth examinations of these barriers we are able to draw conclusions as to why current policies have failed and recommend potential solutions.