Book Review
Principles and Practices of Research in Midwifery
Elizabeth R.Cluett Rosalind Bluff
ISBN: 0-70204-25-2; 2000; 229 pages; Balliere Tindall;
Christine Thompson
Senior Lecturer; Director of Midwifery Studies, La Trobe University, VIC
A timely publication for the new millennium is Principles and Practices of Research in Midwifery, essential reading for practicing midwives and students undertaking studies at either an undergraduate or postgraduate level. While there are many generic research texts available, this book aims and succeeds in offering midwives and students a context within which the research processes may be readily applied without excluding the broader health care services. The emanating theme throughout the book is that research is integral to midwifery and an understanding of research enhances midwives' practice.
The authors argue that it is not appropriate for all midwives to undertake research however, it is a requirement in the United Kingdom and Australia, that all midwives base their practice on research based findings to contribute towards high quality and effective maternity care. This book has the potential to enable practicing midwives to improve practice and assist in their understanding of how to contribute to the research process.
The structure of the book invites readers to either read the book in its entirety or read specific chapters. Contained within ten of the eleven chapters and ideal for the busy practitioner are boxes, highlighting key issues, a conclusion and chapter summary. There is an extensive reference listing at the end of each chapter, a comprehensive glossary which explains simple and complex research terms, and throughout the book new terms are printed in bold type when introduced. A useful index at the end of the book enables the reader to locate information promptly.
Chapter 1 provides an overview of the historical constructs in midwifery research, the main aim and purpose of the book and discusses why many midwives undervalue research, explains the term, 'research-aware', explores why research is not a panacea for all midwifery problems. This chapter concludes with the need for evidence based practice which includes the woman in making decisions relating to her care, in partnership with the midwife.
Chapter 2 explores the nature of midwifery practice, the nature of knowledge and theory, explicating how research originates from practice which is the impetus for every study.
Chapters 3-8 consider quantitative and qualitative approaches, the origins, the methods, tools that may be used, the strengths and limitations and where appropriate the pragmatics of the research methods are explored.
Quantitative and qualitative approaches are given equitable weighting and, introduce the reader to a range of research options. The authors do not pretend to offer statistical analysis and recommend readers obtain appropriate support, however they do provide key principles terms and findings likely to be encountered in critiquing research studies. It is difficult to highlight the exemplar research chapters as considerable thought and attention has been given to each; however the chapters on grounded theory, ethnography and phenomenology were exceptionally well written. Excellent examples of midwifery and neonatal research for practice are cited in relevant sections.
Chapter 9 offers the reader some alternative and newer approaches to research that is approaches such as, triangulation, historical research, feminist approaches, action research and case studies. These approaches use a multitude of data collecting methods to reach a conclusion and are described in reasonable detail within the chapter.
Chapter 10 builds upon the preceding quantitative and qualitative approaches and provides the midwife with a framework by which to critique a research paper a skill that is essential to ensure research rigour.
Chapter 11 highlights the need for the research findings to be disseminated to inform midwifery practice and explains how to undertake this final process of the research study.
In summary, this text is a valuable resource and one I would recommend for all practicing midwives and midwifery students who want to expand their own research knowledge and contribute towards improving maternal and neonatal outcomes.
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