Building the evidence base of the nursing and midwifery contribution to health

The evidence base of nursing and midwifery is still at an early stage of development. There is not as yet a critical mass of nurse or midwife researchers, nor is there a fully developed research infrastructure, and access to research funding is often difficult. In spite of these challenges, it is very encouraging to see the steady growth in the body of evidence about the contribution, which nursing and midwifery can make to health.

This publication has been prepared in order to disseminate available evidence throughout the Region and beyond. Continuing research is a vital element in enabling nurses and midwives to contribute in the most efficient and cost-effective way to the health agenda of the Region.