The statement was made by general secretary Cathy Warwick at the launch of the college’s new research action plan last night (13 October).
Speaking at the launch, Cathy said: ‘To build on research and development is what the RCM is all about.’
She added that it is a priority to ‘ensure more research is conducted and make sure that it is implemented in practice’.
Dr David Cox from the Department of Health was among the speakers who gave short presentations about research on the night.
He stressed the impact that research can have on practice, but voiced fears that with midwives’ heavy workloads, there’s a risks of it falling by the wayside.
He was asked what one thing he would add to the new action plan.
‘I would urge the college – and I’m sure you are doing this anyway – to ensure that research isn’t seen as an add on, or something that gets in the way of providing services,’ he said.
‘If there’s pressure to cover service posts it makes it more difficult for people to make time to do research.
‘But, if you are going to improve the care of mothers and babies, you need to find time to see what works and what doesn’t work.’
Cathy agreed and said ‘I certainly think it’s a very serious issue’.
The action plan is being rolled-out in the hope of improving the quality and quantity of research, leading to better care for mothers and babies.
To read the action plan, please
click here.
