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Midwives magazine: Issue 7 :: 2011

Authors: Mary Steen and Taniya Roberts
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
Price: £22.99
ISBN: 9781405195102

Review by Katrina Rigby

This practical handbook of midwifery research is clear, concise, informative and very user-friendly. I particularly like how the book is written, using the personal experiences of the authors and their colleagues. 

The handbook clearly breaks down and discusses the stages of the research process. I like how the book is divided into two parts as this really makes the content flow well. Part one refers to understanding research. This is very useful to help with how to effectively search, locate, critique and understand research. Part two leads onto how to undertake the research. There is excellent discussion regarding data collection techniques, ethics, research governance and analysis, as well as how to write a research proposal. 

Key features include using strategies to help gain and increase knowledge and skills, by the use of very good quantitative and qualitative midwifery-led research examples and case studies. This aids application to midwifery practice, which makes it easier to relate to and understand. This will help to increase confidence and provide support to successfully understand and undertake research, which will hopefully lead to the inspiration of good dissemination of research findings.

Clear and effective features such as tables, figures and illustrations are useful, as is the glossary of research words and terms. I like the summaries at the end of each chapter. They are not lengthy or over-whelming, but provide a clear overview, which is excellent to re-affirm knowledge. 

I found this book instantly likeable. It is easy to locate the required information, the content overall is excellent, and it outweighs its competitors by far. It is reasonably priced, and I most definitely highly recommend it.