Main description:

Concentrating specifically on research into midwifery and related disciplines, Appraising Research into Childbirth is designed to equip midwives and midwifery students with the necessary tools to navigate the maze of evidence-informed practice and the very different kinds of research that are published in midwifery, medical and related journals. The book appraises eight previously published research articles that present both qualitative and quantitative research studies. Each of the various elements is analysed - from the methodology through to the interpretation of the results. Each article is annotated with notes and questions, thereby enabling the reader to actively participate in the appraisal.

Tips, tools and checklists aid orientation and quick recall of salient advice and a guide to statistics helps to demystify what is generally considered to be a daunting element of most research.

Each chapter is pulled together by the ongoing discussion about how we can "find out" and "know" by doing research and the advantages, disadvantages, potential for philosophical and methodological bias and political ramifications of such work.

Presents a range of quantitative and qualitative research articles relevant to midwifery practice in a unique workbook format
Enables readers to gain hands-on, practical experience of critiquing research
Supplementary tools, checklists, mnemonics and tables enable deeper understanding of the process of appraising research
Commentary and expert critique provided by lecturers in midwifery research
Contains a user-friendly guide to statistics

Contents:

Introduction

SECTION ONE: A Few Tools, Tips and Checklists

SECTION TWO: Women, Midwives and Information
Introduction
Chapter One Sara Wickham
O'Cathian, A, Walters, SJ, Nicholl JP, Kirkham M (2002) Use of evidence based leaflets to promote informed choice in maternity care: randomised controlled trial in everyday practice. British Medical Journal 324: 643
Chapter Two Nadine Edwards
Stapleton, H, Kirkham, M, Thomas G (2002) Qualitative study of evidence based leaflets in maternity care. British Medical Journal 324: 639

SECTION THREE: Childbirth Choices
Introduction
Chapter Three Tricia Anderson
Hundley V, Rennie A-M, Fitzmaurice A et al (2000) A national survey of women's views of their maternity care in Scotland. Midwifery, Vol 16, Issue 4, pp 303-313
Chapter Four Mary Stewart
Madi BC and Crow R (2003) A qualitative study of information about available options for childbirth venue and pregnant women's preference for place of delivery. Midwifery, Vol 19, Issue 4, pp 328-336

SECTION FOUR: Childbirth Interventions
Introduction
Chapter Five Julie Frohlich
Olsen, SF and Secher, NJ. (2002) Low consumption of seafood in early pregnancy as a risk factor for preterm delivery: prospective cohort study. British Medical Journal 324: 447-450
Chapter Six Ishvar Sheran and Sara Wickham
Smith C, Crowther C and Belby J (2002) Acupuncture to treat nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy: a randomised controlled trial. BIRTH, Vol 29, No 1

SECTION FIVE: Women's Experiences
Introduction
Chapter Seven Ruth Deery
Berg, M., Lundgren, I., & Hermansson, E. (1996) Women's experience of the encounter with the midwife during childbirth Midwifery, Vol. 12, Issue 1, pp. 11-15
Chapter Eight Tricia Anderson
Machin D and Scamell M (1997) The experience of labour using ethnography to explore the irresistible nature of the bio-medical metaphor during labour. Midwifery Vol 13, Issue X, pp 78-84

SECTION SIX: Resources