COLLABORATION. At the Southeast Asia regional meeting of the World Health Organization (WHO), participants recently discussed how the midwifery profession can gain acceptance in the healthcare system and society at large. They agreed on the need to implement recommendations from Swedish researchers about greater efforts for clinical training.
Malin Bogren, an associate professor at the Institute of Health and Care Sciences at the University of Gothenburg, was one of the researchers invited to present results from her studies in the field. Bogren and her research colleagues propose clinical training that will lead to clinically skilled midwives. They base their recommendations on a compilation of 34 studies.
The recommendations from the Swedish researchers will form the basis for WHO’s member countries in Southeast Asia and their planning to enable midwives to work more independently with pregnant and childbearing women.
The meeting took place in Bangladesh in September with more than 80 participants representing government agencies, higher education institutions, the United Nations, organizations, midwifery associations, and civil society in the area.
Great need for higher skills among midwives in Southeast Asia
The duration and content of midwifery training in Southeast Asia varies. However, few countries in the region meet international standards for providing midwives who have undergone training with the knowledge necessary to provide good, high-quality care. Midwives need to be well educated to have their skills recognized by physician and nurse colleagues and in civil society among families, men, and women.
“We can conclude that there is an interest in evidence-based practices on the part of both WHO and Southeast Asian member countries,” says Malin Bogren, an associate professor and midwife. “Our research findings will play a crucial role in planning future efforts to strengthen the role of midwives in the healthcare system and among the citizens of the region’s 11 countries. Our joint midwifery research from Dalarna University and the University of Gothenburg makes Sweden an important contributor in Southeast Asia. Our research is making a difference!”
BY: LOVISA AIJMER
