Part 2: A model for evidence-based decision-making in midwifery care

Abstract

National and local health-care policies, along with professional standards and guidance, call for midwives to play a key role in delivering evidence-based, safe, personalised care in partnership with women. However, the tools to guide this complex process have been missing. This paper introduces, explains and demonstrates the utility of a model of evidence-based decision-making for midwifery. Uniquely, the model uses a very broad definition of evidence, which includes evidence from the woman, the midwife, research and resources, in an environmental context. The model addresses a gap in theory and practice about how partnership decision-making works within increasingly complex maternity services. Testing and evaluating the model in different maternity settings would assist in the development and refinement of this model.