The Lancet Series on Midwifery: survey of international impact

Background: The Lancet Series on Midwifery (LSM) is a series of papers produced by an international, inter-disciplinary group and published between 2014-2016. The LSM re-examines the evidence on the impact of midwifery in... [ view full abstract ]

Background: The Lancet Series on Midwifery (LSM) is a series of papers produced by an international, inter-disciplinary group and published between 2014-2016. The LSM re-examines the evidence on the impact of midwifery in low-, middle- and high-income countries. It presents an evidence-based framework for quality maternal and newborn care, demonstrates the scale and breadth of the potential impact of midwifery globally, and makes recommendations for the large-scale implementation of midwifery.  It has been reported as having an influence on policy, education, system planning, research, and workforce at global level and in many countries. This paper will describe a survey conducted by an international group of collaborators. The aim is to assess the impact of the LSM in a systematic way, by exploring the views of colleagues working internationally in programme planning and delivery, health, education, research, and advocacy. Method: An on-line survey was designed using the Bristol Online Survey Tool and was distributed through the extensive email networks of the organisations participating in the research, including WHO, UNFPA, International Confederation of Midwives, Unicef, White Ribbon Alliance, JHPIEGO, and the University of Dundee. Open and closed questions ask respondents about their experience of using the evidence from the LSM, as well as details about their background and their work. Respondents will be asked to volunteer to take part in more detailed case studies. It is expected that respondents will include a wide range of those working in the field of midwifery and maternal and newborn health including interdisciplinary health professionals, decision-makers, educators, researchers, programme planners, policy makers, and advocates for childbearing women and infants. The work is being conducted across the summer of 2017. Results: The findings will be analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings are presented in relation to: a) how and where the LSM has been used to inform change and development, including which aspects of the series have been used and for what purpose; b) case studies of examples of its use, including outcomes where appropriate; c) ease of use and any challenges, and d) plans for future use of the LSM. Discussion and conclusions: The findings will be published as a follow up to the Lancet Series on Midwifery and will inform future implementation, education, advocacy, policy, and research in the fields of midwifery and maternal and newborn healthcare. The research was approved by the University of Dundee Schools of Nursing & Health Sciences and Dentistry Research Ethics Committee.