Midwives’ Attitude and Barriers of Evidence Based Practice in Maternity Care

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Midwives have a crucial role in providing optimal care for pregnant women.One of the most important policies for quality improvement in maternity care is implementation ofevidence-based practice. However, the application of evidence-based practice within the maternityhealth care setting faces many challenges. The purpose of this study was to describe Iranianmidwives’ attitude and perceived barriers of evidence based practice in maternity care.Methods: In this descriptive, cross-sectional study, a census sample of 76 midwives fromtwo public hospitals and urban health centers in Torbat Heydariyeh, a city east of Iran weresurveyed. Data collection tools were two reliable and valid questionnaires that measure midwives'attitudes and barriers of implementation of evidence-based practice. Data were analysed usingSPSS version 16.Results: The mean age and years of experience were 29.30 ± 4.86 and 5.22 ± 4.21 years,respectively. The mean score of attitude was 40.85 ± 4.84 (range = 30–60). This study also foundtime constraints (2.70 ± 0.92), inadequate facilities (2.64 ± 0.72), non-compilation of literaturein one place (2.59 ± 0.92), lack of cooperation of physicians (2.48 ± 1.06) and the feeling ofinadequate authority (2.45 ± 0.88) as the top five barriers to implementing EBP.Conclusion: Survey participants demonstrated a positive attitude toward EBP.Organisational comprehensive strategies such as time efficiency, adequate material and humanresources, familiarity with organisations such as the Cochrane Collaboration and managerialsupport for increasing professional legitimate authority are recommended to promote the use ofEvidence-Based Practice in Iran.