Asking Different Questions: Moving Forward on Research Priorities to Improve Maternal and Newborn Health

Responding to the 2014 Lancet Series on Midwifery identification of a need for clear guidance to address 'barriers to implementation and integration of midwifery into health systems,' a team of expert midwifery researchers and... [ view full abstract ]

Responding to the 2014 Lancet Series on Midwifery identification of a need for clear guidance to address 'barriers to implementation and integration of midwifery into health systems,' a team of expert midwifery researchers and stakeholders scored competing future research topics with midwifery's contribution to quality maternal and newborn care using the WHO Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) methodology. Published in Lancet Global Health in 2016, they identified 11 research priorities. In collaboration with WHO, the authors narrowed the 11 priorities to three that highlighted prevention, implementation, strengthening women's capacity, and measurement of quality care. This new research agenda challenges researchers and investors alike to ask different questions and prioritize innovation to address the WHO Global Strategies to help women, children, and adolescents 'survive, thrive and transform.' This workshop will examine the three priorities and review action steps identified to achieve them at a workshop held prior to the 2017 ICM Triennial Congress.