Leveling up evidence syntheses: filling conceptual gaps of the role of midwifery in health systems through a network analysis

Abstract

Objective In the research note, our main objective is to explore the value of combining an evidence synthesis with a network analysis. The discussion is based on a critical interpretive synthesis, which combines systematic review methodology with qualitive inquiry, and ‘research concept’ network analysis focused on understanding the roles of midwives in health systems. The interpretative analytic approach of a critical interpretive synthesis has a high explanatory value by allowing for the review of a diverse body of literature and is well-suited to delving into areas that are not well understood, such as midwifery. Results Network analyses use graphs to represent relationships between concepts and brought to light important additional insights into the literature that were not present in the evidence synthesis alone. Given the lack of theoretical development in the area of midwifery in health systems, the critical interpretive synthesis allowed for the generation of concepts used to inform a theoretical framework, while the novel application of an exploratory network analysis deepened understanding of conceptual areas of saturation within the field, as well as identifying critical gaps in the literature.

Evidence-informed framework for gender transformative continuing education interventions for midwives and midwifery associations

“…The findings from the critical interpretive synthesis were used to develop the initial core concepts and theory related to education for in-service midwives and the initial draft framework. 10 Data analysis of the additional sources of qualitative evidence used the qualitative software NVivo for Mac for the organisation and coding of the data. Coding occurred in the original language that the data were collected in (French or English).…”

“…We conducted a qualitative evidence review and synthesis to create a conceptual framework for strengthening of quality midwifery care with continuing education. We used a critical interpretive synthesis as an approach to qualitative systematic review, complemented additional qualitative sources to inform the development of concepts and theory 6 10…”

“…Data were collected on publication year, study design, health professions, jurisdiction(s) of focus, the processes related to and the characteristics of continuing education programmes or interventions involving midwives. The findings from the critical interpretive synthesis were used to develop the initial core concepts and theory related to education for in-service midwives and the initial draft framework 10. Data analysis of the additional sources of qualitative evidence used the qualitative software NVivo for Mac for the organisation and coding of the data.…”