research prioritisation project
Maternity research receives less funding than many other areas of healthcare. This project will discover the gaps in evidence across all areas of midwifery practice and maternity care and identify a top 10 research priorities will be championed by the RCM and other organisations to influence funders and policy makers.
Our second survey is now open!
What are the gaps in our knowledge about midwifery practice and how to give the best maternity care?
Have your say in this survey and help to choose the top 10 areas for future research funding and action.
The Project
The scope of this project will include perspectives gathered from UK based midwives (working in any professional capacity ), midwifery students, maternity support workers and maternity care assistants, service users – which include women and birthing people, their partners, families and friends, birth supporters, and midwifery and service user organisations.
Project team
- Project Leads – The RCM Research Advisors, Jenny Cunningham and Dr. Jude Field are leading this project. You can contact Jude and Jenny on researchpriorities@rcm.org.uk
- Our JLA Advisor – Dr Nahid Ahmad
- Review group – The Research Team decided to add an additional layer to the JLA PSP, a Review Group made up of three eminent midwifery professors: Professor Helen Cheyne of the University of Stirling, Professor Vanora Hundley of Bournemouth University and Professor Julia Sanders of Cardiff University. The Review Group provides academic rigour and guidance to the team, meeting regularly throughout the project lifespan.
Project partners
A wide range of organisations are involved in the project as Project Partners. Their role is to promote the project within in their networks, memberships and staff. We are grateful for all of the support that we have received from the diverse range of charities, voluntary bodies, universities, and hospital Trusts and Boards.
Support for maternity service users
Completion of the survey may bring up difficult or uncomfortable memories. We have curated a list of organisations that provide support if needed. You can also look at the full list of Project Partner logos to find other organisations that may be able to provide you with specialist support. Alternatively, or in addition, you can contact the maternity service who provided your care.
