An advisory group has been formed in order to develop practice guidance on various aspects of caring for women in labour.
The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) has commissioned Professor Helen Spiby and Dr Phoebe Pallotti at the University of Nottingham to create new practice guidance designed to be ‘evidence-based’ as has proven popular with midwives in other guidance.
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Starting work this autumn, the team will build on RCM’s evidence-based guidelines for midwifery-led care in labour to produce new guidance in late 2018. They will look at particular aspects of care in labour, such as immersion in water and epidural pain relief.
Additionally, they will review evidence about maintaining physical and psychological wellbeing in the midwifery workforce.
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‘When we surveyed members recently they told us that they highly valued RCM’s evidence-based practice guidance and want more of this kind of professional support from the College,’ said RCM head of quality and standards Mandy Forrester.
‘We are delighted to have commissioned Helen and Phoebe and their expert team to work on this important guidance and look forward to publishing it next year.’
Professor Spiby is now hiring a research assistant to help with the work. Applicants with a Masters degree and an ‘excellent academic record of achievement’ are invited to apply.
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The successful applicant will be responsible for identifying and synthesising information from a wide range of sources, contributing to systematic reviews and the development of evidence based guidance for care during labour.
‘Excellent team working skills, organisational and communication skills’ are required. The post is part-time, lasting for a period of 12 months.