Priorities for Midwifery Research in Perth, Western Australia: A Delphi Study

This paper reports a two-round Delphi study undertaken to identify the research priorities of midwives at five public maternity hospitals in Western Australia's metropolitan area of Perth. In round one, 117 midwives identified 64 different problems or issues for research. Using thematic content analysis, these problems were grouped together & then collapsed to develop 17 specific research topics within four major categories. In round two, 152 midwives were asked to rank how important each of the topic statements were to women, their families & midwives. Research focusing on 'the postnatal experience' was ranked by midwives as the most important to the care of women & their families. From a midwife's perspective, the highest ranked topic was 'examining the professional issues that impact on midwives' clinical practice' (e.g. midwifery & medical collaboration, potential litigation & horizontal violence in the workplace). The results of the study show that Western Australian midwives, like their national & international colleagues, are concerned about the delivery & organization of maternity services, the invisibility of the postnatal experience & how to operationalize evidence-based care in the clinical area. 14 Tables, 1 Appendix, 57 References. Adapted from the source document.