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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
The role of the midwife in Middle Eastern and North Africa region countries: An evidence and gap map
1
Queen's University Belfast, Nursing and Midwifery, Belfast, United Kingdom
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A382
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
Background: Midwifery care is recognized as fundamental to effective maternity care. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the role of midwives varies due to inconsistent standards, limited scope of practice, and insufficient educational opportunities. Consequently, there is lack of understanding about the role of midwives amongst stakeholders, including women, families and other healthcare providers
OBJECTIVES:
Objective: The aim of the evidence and gap map (EGM) was to synthesize studies related to the role of midwives in MENA countries and identify where evidence exist to support midwifery activities.
METHODS:
Method: A search strategy was developed and databases (Maternity & Infant Care, CINHAL Complete, MedLine ALL, Web of Science Core Collection) were searched until August 2024. Included studies addressed care during preconception, antenatal, labor and birth, postnatal, perinatal, and long-term women’s health. Midwifery roles were categorized into: care and practice, education, health promotion, service design and evaluation, policy and guidance, leadership and management, and research. The EGM was constructed using Eppi-Mapper, and structured as a matrix, presenting period of care provision by midwifery roles.
RESULTS:
Results: A total of 171 studies were identified for inclusion: 55 qualitative, 33 observational, and 39 (quasi-) experimental studies. The care and practice domain related to labor and birth (n=55) and perinatal care (n=37) demonstrated the most cited evidence for midwifery contribution. Service design and evaluation were also evident with studies identified in the perinatal period (n=31). There was a gap in the midwife’s role in research (n=2).
CONCLUSIONS:
Conclusion: This EGM provides insight into the role of midwives in the MENA region including gaps. It can guide policymakers, researchers, and care providers in strengthening midwifery as a profession.
KEY MESSAGE:
Key Message: This review highlighted potential areas where investment in midwifery is required to strengthen midwifery models of care and improve outcomes for women and babies. Workforce - professional identity
Background: Midwifery care is recognized as fundamental to effective maternity care. In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, the role of midwives varies due to inconsistent standards, limited scope of practice, and insufficient educational opportunities. Consequently, there is lack of understanding about the role of midwives amongst stakeholders, including women, families and other healthcare providers
OBJECTIVES:
Objective: The aim of the evidence and gap map (EGM) was to synthesize studies related to the role of midwives in MENA countries and identify where evidence exist to support midwifery activities.
METHODS:
Method: A search strategy was developed and databases (Maternity & Infant Care, CINHAL Complete, MedLine ALL, Web of Science Core Collection) were searched until August 2024. Included studies addressed care during preconception, antenatal, labor and birth, postnatal, perinatal, and long-term women’s health. Midwifery roles were categorized into: care and practice, education, health promotion, service design and evaluation, policy and guidance, leadership and management, and research. The EGM was constructed using Eppi-Mapper, and structured as a matrix, presenting period of care provision by midwifery roles.
RESULTS:
Results: A total of 171 studies were identified for inclusion: 55 qualitative, 33 observational, and 39 (quasi-) experimental studies. The care and practice domain related to labor and birth (n=55) and perinatal care (n=37) demonstrated the most cited evidence for midwifery contribution. Service design and evaluation were also evident with studies identified in the perinatal period (n=31). There was a gap in the midwife’s role in research (n=2).
CONCLUSIONS:
Conclusion: This EGM provides insight into the role of midwives in the MENA region including gaps. It can guide policymakers, researchers, and care providers in strengthening midwifery as a profession.
KEY MESSAGE:
Key Message: This review highlighted potential areas where investment in midwifery is required to strengthen midwifery models of care and improve outcomes for women and babies. Workforce - professional identity
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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