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

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Workforce Development
• Gender Studies

Background:

• Continuing education for midwives is crucial for enhancing sexual and reproductive health services.
• Existing interventions often fail to address systemic barriers and gender inequities faced by midwives.
• A need exists for gender transformative approaches in midwife education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To generate concepts for continuing education interventions for midwives.
• To develop a theoretical framework for gender transformative continuing education for midwives.
• To identify factors influencing the design and implementation of effective interventions.

Main Methods:

• A critical interpretive synthesis was employed.
• Data sources included literature searches (CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE), key informant interviews, focus groups, document review, and observations.
• A coding structure guided the synthesis across multiple evidence sources.

Main Results:

• 4519 records were screened, with 103 documents included in the synthesis.
• Additional data from 31 interviews, 5 focus groups, 24 program documents, and field observations were incorporated.
• A theoretical framework was developed, highlighting gender, midwifery associations, health systems, and enabling elements.

Conclusions:

• Gender transformative continuing education, led by midwifery associations, can significantly improve midwifery practice.
• Investments can enhance midwifery across UN target areas: governance, health workforce, health systems, and education.
• This approach supports equitable and quality sexual and reproductive health services globally.