The preparedness and readiness of rural and remote primary care midwives working in low- and middle-income countries: A scoping review.

Graham K., Colquhoun S., LaBond C., Housen T., Mohale H., Campbell S., Sweet L.

BACKGROUND: A well-prepared and supported midwifery workforce is essential to providing quality maternal and neonatal health care in rural and remote communities in low- and middle-income countries. AIM: To identify the extent and type of research related to the preparedness and readiness of primary care midwives working in rural and remote settings in low- and middle-income countries. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review of primary research literature published between 2010 and 2023. FINDINGS: We identified 62 papers for inclusion, reported in two sections. Section 1 scopes the 52 papers discussing midwives' preparedness and readiness challenges, enablers and recommendations for the rural and remote context in low- and middle-income countries. We report the findings under four categories: 1). Professional preparation and competence; 2). Supportive work environments; 3). Ready, willing, and able; and 4). Governance, policy, and regulation. Section 2 scopes the 16 papers that evaluated strategies to strengthen midwives' preparedness and readiness in rural and remote contexts of low- and middle-income countries. We report these findings under three categories: 1). Education, training, and mentoring; 2). Readiness through technology: and 3). Midwifery workforce. Six papers are relevant to both sections. DISCUSSION: There is limited research evidence on primary care midwives' rural and remote preparedness and readiness in low- and middle-income countries. However, the existing literature demonstrates that midwives need contextually relevant education, training, and support in providing quality care in rural and remote health care environments in low- and middle-income countries. CONCLUSION: Further investments are required to improve primary care midwives' preparedness and readiness for rural and remote low- and middle-income country settings.

DOI

10.1016/j.wombi.2024.101866

Type

Journal article

Publication Date

2025-03-01T00:00:00+00:00

Volume

38

Keywords

Low- and middle-income countries, Midwives, Preparedness, Primary care, Readiness, Rural and remote health services, Humans, Developing Countries, Midwifery, Rural Health Services, Primary Health Care, Nurse Midwives, Female, Rural Population, Clinical Competence, Maternal Health Services, Pregnancy

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