Call for abstract submission - deadline extended to 1st November, 2024
Thank you for considering submitting an abstract and presenting at the congress. The contribution of presenters is critical and we value your input greatly. We welcome all submissions on topics related to midwifery and reproductive health.
Abstracts must be submitted electronically via the online submission system by October 15th, 2024 - Deadline extended to 1st November, 2024
The link is now closed - thank you for all your contributions.
You will be asked to choose from one of two abstract categories:
1. Research results - Abstracts in this category should present scientific research within the areas of midwifery and reproductive health. There are no methodological limitations; the Congress welcomes submissions from both qualitative and quantitative research fields, as well as everything in between. Abstracts on planned or ongoing research must clearly indicate the perceived relevance or potential impact to be considered. |
2. Quality and development project - Abstracts in this category should present results from quality improvement and developmental projects related to midwifery and reproductive health. The Congress welcomes submissions highlighting initiatives, programs, and practices aimed at enhancing the quality of care, professional development, and service delivery. Submissions can include case studies, pilot projects, and program evaluations among others. Abstracts should clearly demonstrate the relevance and potential impact of the work to be considere |
Submission guidelines
Mandatory text fields:
Relevant Background information - Name, University/organisation, e-mail address and country of the presenting author, Title of abstract, List of co-authors, List of affiliations
Abstract structure - Background/Methods/Results/Conclusion/Potential impact or clinical relevance - max 250 words
Preferred presentation mode (oral or poster)
Ethics and other relevant authority approvals (yes/no/not relevant)
The Congress language is English; your abstract and presentation should adhere to this.
Topics
Topics for abstracts and workshops are listed below. When selected, a short introduction to the topic is provided – please note this is meant as an inspiration, and the examples are not exhaustive:
Onset of labour, Labour stages, and Progression
The process of labour, culminating in childbirth, is a complex physiological phenomenon characterized by a series of stages. Research in this area can encompass a wide range of studies and submissions may include observational studies that track labour progression patterns, interventional studies assessing the efficacy of new management for prolonged labour, research into the biochemical and hormonal mechanisms behind onset of labour, or perhaps care models for women in the early stages of labour.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Birth Choices and Birth Practices
Birth choices encompass the diverse preferences and decisions women make regarding their childbirth experience. Research in this area can include qualitative studies exploring women's experiences and preferences for different birth settings (e.g., home birth, birthing centres, free birth and elective caesarean birth), but also studies into the role of midwives and obstetricians in supporting these choices and studies assessing decision-making tools and educational interventions, are welcomed.
Birth practices refers to models of care and various methods and procedures involved in childbirth. Quantitative studies examining maternal/foetal outcomes associated with various models such as continuity of care and studies on specific practices such as rebozo or foetal monitoring technology is encouraged.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Sustainability in maternity care work life
Sustainability in the work life of midwives and other care providers is essential for ensuring the well-being of both providers and the individuals they serve. Research in this area can include studies on the impact of caseload midwifery on midwives' job satisfaction. Also, research investigating the prevalence and predictors of burnout and acute stress among maternity care providers and potential interventions that support their mental health. Additionally, research on organisational strategies and support systems that promote a sustainable work-life balance, such as flexible scheduling, peer support programs, and professional development opportunities.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Sustainability - the green footprint
The intersection of environmental sustainability with healthcare practices and reproductive health is increasingly recognised as critical for global health outcomes. Research in this area can explore strategies to reduce the carbon footprint of healthcare facilities and drug development processes, including waste management and sustainable sourcing of pharmaceutical ingredients. But just as welcome are epidemiological studies examining the consequences of environmental degradation on fertility rates, maternal health, and access to reproductive healthcare services in vulnerable populations.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Diversity and inclusion of Gender, Religion, and Ethnicity
This topic welcomes studies exploring various aspects of diversity and inclusion, or exclusion, in midwifery and reproductive health. Research in the area could encompass gender-inclusive practices in midwifery care, studying the impact of inclusive language and support for non-binary and transgender clients on care outcomes and client satisfaction. Or studies in integrating religious accommodations in reproductive health services, but also, studies examining disparities in access to midwifery services among certain groups using healthcare records and interviews to identify barriers or to target interventions to improve equity in reproductive health access.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Education
Midwifery education is crucial in ensuring competent and compassionate care, encompassing foundational training, ongoing skills development, and specialised education to meet the evolving needs of maternal health. The topic covers the continuum from basic training, skills development after qualification, and advanced education. Research in this area could focus on innovations in midwifery training programs, exploring curriculum enhancements, simulation-based learning, and mentorship strategies that improve student competence and readiness for clinical practice. As well as studies on specialised training or complimentary academic education, evaluating the impact of postgraduate programs and research opportunities on advancing clinical practice, leadership roles, and evidence-based care.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice
Defining and refining essential competencies for midwifery practice ensures comprehensive care. Research in this area could be methods for fostering shared decision-making between midwives and clients. Or research highlighting the practice skills of foetal monitoring with a pinard or STAN technology. It could also be research mapping the midwifery skills needed to support physiological birth or competencies for water birth, exploring the efficacy and safety.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Midwifery organisation and leadership
Midwifery organization and leadership is a co-actor in shaping the delivery of maternal health services and can drive innovation, quality improvement, and advocacy within the profession. Research in this area encompasses studies or projects focusing on the organizational aspects and leadership roles within midwifery practice. We welcome studies examining effective models of midwifery organisation, innovative leadership strategies for enhancing quality of care, and advancements in midwifery management. Topics may include organisational structures of midwifery practices, leadership development programs tailored to midwives, team dynamics in maternity care settings, advocacy efforts in midwifery, and the evolving role of midwifery leaders in shaping healthcare policy and practice.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Midwifery care in the complexity and pathology of maternity care
As part of the diverse spectrum of midwifery care, managing the complexity of care for women with pathology is essential. Research plays a pivotal role in improving outcomes and enhancing maternal health. Research in this area can include screening for preeclampsia or prediction studies on premature birth. Within this topic, perinatal audits to analyse factors contributing to maternal and neonatal deaths, and qualitative studies on care practices and quantitative studies on outcomes for chronically ill pregnant individuals would also be relevant.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Postnatal care
Postnatal care is central for maternal and infant short- and long-term health. Research in this area could be studies cohort studies investigating breastfeeding and associated factors, or the impact of breastfeeding education and support programs on initiation and duration rates. Other studies could be intervention studies assessing the effect of a psycho-educational program for promoting early bonding or other studies aimed to enhance postnatal care practices, optimise health outcomes for mothers and infants, and inform evidence-based guidelines for comprehensive postpartum support.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Care and perspectives of becoming a family
The transition to parenthood and the dynamics of family formation has the interest of many working within maternity services. We welcome research in this area for example theoretical studies exploring various facets such as psychological adjustment, parental bonding, and the role of social support in shaping the experience of becoming a family. Research delving into this topic may use diverse methods such as interviews, surveys and questionnaires, ethnography, or other approaches for studying human behaviour, culture, and the social phenomenon of becoming a parent/family.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Reproductive lifespan
Women’s reproductive lifespan spans their entire reproductive years; each period is unique yet interrelated. Research in this area could be focused on contraceptive advice programs tailored to different life stages and reproductive goals or an intervention study on fertility counselling to optimise family planning choices. Additionally, research exploring the impact of reproductive factors on long-term health outcomes, including epidemiological studies on duration of breastfeeding and risk of cancer, or the relationship between mode of birth and epigenetics.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Supporting mental health
Supporting mental health in the context of maternity care is essential for overall well-being and lifesaving for others. Research in this area could be studies mapping the grief experiences following intrauterine foetal death, interviews to understand the psychological impact or the assessment of support strategies. Drug studies evaluating the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions or focused on improving mental health outcomes for women with a history of, e.g., postpartum depression, are welcomed.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Supporting and sustaining normal birth
Supporting and sustaining normal birth is pivotal in midwifery in the Nordic countries and worldwide. We welcome research in this area exploring strategies to optimise physiological birth processes, including the use of non-pharmacological pain relief methods and techniques to optimise foetal positioning. Other studies could be on the birth environment with birth space design and it’s association with outcome and morbidity. Studies may also investigate the impact of midwifery-led care models, birth plans, and personalised birthing options on maternal satisfaction and health outcomes.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Global health
Global health, from a midwifery perspective, is the efforts to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes worldwide. Research in this area could explore disparities in access to midwifery care, innovative approaches to maternal health education and training such as an app, and the impact of global health policies on maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Studies may also focus on cross-cultural practices in midwifery, international collaboration in healthcare delivery, and strategies to address global health challenges such as infectious diseases and reproductive rights.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Health promotion
The focus on empowering individuals to achieve optimal health outcomes through education, advocacy, and preventive interventions sums up health promotion as a topic. Research in this area could include studies on health promotion e.g., physical activity intervention to assess the effectiveness of tailored exercise programs in mitigating hypertension risks among pregnant individuals. Otherwise, studies could involve cross-sectional studies on diet and its association with pregnancy complications among women with diabetes, or a prospective cohort study could investigate the impact of dietary counseling on glycemic control and maternal and fetal health outcomes.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.Other
This topic encompasses a wide range of research and methodologies within midwifery and reproductive health. If you haven't found a fitting category for your abstract elsewhere, we welcome your submission here. Whether your research pertains to health economics, health service delivery, clinical or symptom-based studies, we encourage you to contribute to our diverse discussion.
This list is not exhaustive but is meant as an example.
Evaluation procedure
All abstracts will advance to peer-review assessment. Abstracts are evaluated based on:
- Scientific merit
- Theoretical and/or methodological rigour
- Clinical relevance
- Breadth and appeal to a substantial number of NJF attendees
- Timeliness
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Diversity of the speakers
If you have any questions or problems with the submission, please contact