Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41074039›Full record

ArticleHealth research policy and systems2025

Developing a Canadian midwifery research priority framework: a Delphi consensus study.

Beth Murray-Davis, Emma Ruby, Joanne Rack, Sofia Al-Balkhi, Lindsay Grenier, Ginny Brunton, Elizabeth K Darling, Eileen K Hutton, Laura Banfield, Cristina Mattison and 1 more

Abstract readConsensus Statement
In one paragraph

Article in Health research policy and systems, 2025. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

11 authors.

Beth Murray-DavisDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada. bmurray@mcmaster.ca.
Emma RubyDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Joanne RackDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Sofia Al-BalkhiDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Lindsay GrenierDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Ginny BruntonDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Elizabeth K DarlingDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Eileen K HuttonDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Laura BanfieldHealth Sciences Library, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Cristina MattisonDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Karyn KaufmanDepartment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster Midwifery Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

introductionGlobally, there is a commitment to evidence informed midwifery practice. In Canada, the midwifery profession has grown significantly over the past three decades, yet Canadian midwifery research lacks coordination and infrastructure. Developing a unified research agenda to address emerging clinical, population and policy challenges is essential for advancing research capacity building.

methodsThis study employed a modified Delphi technique, a robust consensus-seeking method, to identify national research priorities for Canadian midwifery. The process included a scoping review, a cross-sectional national survey, regional focus groups and follow-up surveys. Participants included midwives, researchers, service users, students and policymakers. Data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods to identify and rank priority areas.

resultsThe study identified three primary research priority areas: organizing models of care, optimizing reproductive care and strengthening the profession. Key themes included access to care, expanding midwifery roles, informed choice and addressing systemic barriers. Facilitating factors such as effective collaboration, policy changes and building research capacity were also highlighted. The final framework emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts to enhance the quality and accessibility of midwifery services across Canada.

conclusionsThe findings underscore the importance of a coordinated national research agenda to support the growth and development of midwifery in Canada. By focusing on identified priority areas and facilitating factors, the midwifery profession can continue to provide high-quality, equitable care. The study's methodology and results can inform similar efforts globally, promoting the integration of midwifery care into health systems worldwide.

Indexed as

Health PrioritiesHealth Services ResearchMidwiferyResearchCanadaCapacity BuildingCross-Sectional StudiesDelphi TechniqueFemaleFocus GroupsHealth PolicyHealth Services AccessibilityHumansPregnancy

Identifiers

PMID41074039
PMCPMC12512567

What OpenQuestion holds

Textmetadata
LicenceCC BY-NC-ND
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Registered trials

None linked

Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.