A continuity of midwifery care research mission, vision and agenda

Continuity of midwifery care is a priority within Scottish maternity services, yet limited evidence on key determinants and the absence of a shared research strategy constrain progress; therefore, this study aims to develop a systematic, evidence-based, and tailored process to inform a comprehensive Scottish continuity-of-midwifery-care research strategy, including its mission, vision, and aligned research agenda.

Guided by implementation science, we engaged with 24 service providers, academics, managers, policymakers and service users' advocates in Scotland. We collected data through an online poll, subgroup brainstorming sessions, plenary discussions, evaluations, video recordings, and research topic listings. Structural text reduction and a ranking and prioritisation process informed the synthesis and translation of the data into a research mission and vision. Interquartile ranking (Q₃) was employed to select relevant and suitable guiding content elements for the mission and vision. The domains and determinants affecting the mission's and visions's functionality and capacity were framed using the Tailored Implementation for Chronic Diseases worksheets. Mean scores indicated their level of impact on the mission and vision. The ranked research topics were scored and prioritised based on their importance and relevance.

The research mission and vision were established. The capacity of change determinants, particularly the importance of necessary change and capable leadership, influence the capacity and operationalisation of the research mission and vision. Among the sixteen research topics, those focusing on economic evaluation, the organisation and management of continuity of care, and the future generation of continuity of midwifery care users and providers were ranked highest.

We created a continuity of midwifery care research strategy and developed insights into embedding and applying this approach within the Scottish research context, guiding the operationalisation and further development of research on the continuity of midwifery care.