An LSTM student’s research into the role of midwifery in maternal healthcare in Bangladesh has been published in a top journal.
Fflur Dafis and research colleagues from the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh conducted 13 interviews with obstetricians working in Dhaka to understand how they perceive midwifery-led care, which is a relatively new concept in Bangladesh.
Her findings have been published in PLOS Global Public Health, after studying a masters in Public Health, specialising in Sexual and Reproductive Health.
Their analysis identified a diverse understanding of the role of a midwife, including a confusion on their scope of practice, as well as an understanding that they are specialised practitioners who can help to improve access and equity of healthcare.
The interviews also identified factors restricting midwives’ professional autonomy, including a lack of trust regarding their competency, and evidence of weak integration into the healthcare system.
Researchers concluded that there is a need to increase awareness to other healthcare professionals and the public about the benefits of midwives and their care. They also suggested that improved regulation is required, particularly in the private health sector and in the implementation of midwifery education.
Terry Kana, Senior Lecturer in Tropical Nursing and Midwifery at LSTM, said: “This paper is the culmination of Fflur’s hard work and perseverance. As a student, Fflur collaborated with researchers at the Centre for Injury Prevention and Research Bangladesh where she interviewed obstetricians on their views on midwifery-led care in the Dhaka region of Bangladesh.”
Fflur said: “I am deeply grateful to the team at CIPRB and to my supervisor, Terry Kana, whose support and hard work made this publication possible. My time studying at LSTM equipped me with the skills needed to undertake and complete this research, and I am greatly appreciative of this experience.”