Evidence based Practice in Midwifery

To establish self-reported skill levels, behaviors and barriers in relation to evidence-based practice (EBP) among a nurses and midwives in senior roles. Capacity building interventions are needed among senior nurses and midwives, as the most prominent knowledge sources reported are non-evidentiary in nature and barriers to finding and reviewing evidence, along with barriers to making practice change, remain significant. Women with less access to resources, particularly those in rural areas, can face considerable obstacles in obtaining maternal health care Pregnant women in rural areas are more likely to receive delayed or no prenatal care and to receive less adequate care when it is available, factors that contribute to higher infant mortality. The vast majority of midwives in the United States (U.S.) are certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs). CNMs are licensed and have prescriptive authority in every state. CMs are licensed in five states. This growth of midwifery has been supported by published research that demonstrates midwifery care is associated with high-quality and is comparable or in some studies, better outcomes than care provided by obstetrician/gynecologists. Recipients of care by midwives report high levels of patient satisfaction, and midwifery care results in lower costs due to fewer unnecessary, invasive, and expensive interventions.