Growing the next generation of researchers at RCM Research Conference
on 18 March 2021 BAME Maternity Safety
Midwifery research has an impact right on the front line and is the bedrock for safer and better care says the Royal College of Midwives (RCM), ahead of its second annual research conference on 23 March.
Midwives from across the UK will be coming together virtually to talk about the latest midwifery research including the impact of the pandemic on maternity services.
“There is a direct connection between midwifery research and care. It is the basis on which of all our practice is based and it is the reason care for women and babies is getting safer and better,” said RCM Chief Executive Gill Walton. “Without research and the evidence coming from it we would be practising in the dark,” she added.
Among the highlights is a keynote speech from Professor Jane Sandall, who will be outlining her plans for midwifery research in her new role as NHS England and Improvement’s first Head of Midwifery Research and how it will affect NHS policies, strategies, and front-line care. “I am delighted to be offered this exciting new role working with the Chief Midwifery Officer’s team in NHS England and NHS Improvement,” said Jane, adding: “This is an unprecedented opportunity for midwives in the UK which s leading the world on this issue.”
Growing the next generation is this year’s conference theme and speakers will cover topics including identifying priorities for research and securing the right support through PhDs . MIDIRS will also highlight how its resources can support evidence-based practice. There will also be presenters covering topics as diverse as supporting black women to engage in research, midwifery led care during the pandemic and the experiences of trafficked women.
Jenny Cunningham, the RCM’s Research Advisor, said: “Research is relevant to all of us and, in reality, we do it every day through using up-to-date evidence to inform our practice. We can all be researchers however small the scope or scale, and wherever we are in our careers. ,” said Jenny. “This conference is a great opportunity to find out more about getting more involved in research and how it supports every one of us, no matter if you are a Professor in a university or a newly qualified front-line midwife,” she said.
The RCM Research Conference is free to all RCM members. To register for the conference and for more information on the conference programme see https://www.rcm.org.uk/rcm-events/2021/research-conference/.
To read about the RCM’s research strategy, resources and activities see https://www.rcm.org.uk/promoting/learning-careers/research-and-funding/.