Midwifery theories: A scoping review

Problem: The identification of midwifery theories will contribute to the identification of a midwifery model of care for women experiencing low-risk pregnancies, and to support its implementation in Portugal.

Background: Previous research has explored the concept of woman-centredness as the core principle underpinning midwifery practice, mapped existing midwifery models of care, synthesized multiple theories and the scope of midwifery to achieve conceptual integration, and identified the aspects of midwifery care that most significantly contribute to the quality of care for women and their babies. However, to the best of the authors' knowledge, no other review has mapped the theories that underpin midwifery practice.

Aim: This study aims to map and summarise the theories that underpin midwifery practice.

Methods: The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was used to conduct this review.

Findings: A total of 16 documents were included in this review. Sixteen theories were identified and the differences between them vary in both underpinning philosophical ideas and the methodology used to develop them.

Discussion: The four concepts of the nursing-midwifery metaparadigm were identified in all documents and a fifth concept, midwife's self-knowledge, should be included in the characterisation of a midwifery theory, once it has a strong presence in all four concepts, underpinning them.

Conclusion: This scoping review identified the theories underpinning midwifery practice. The compilation of these theories can be used to strengthen the scientific area and profession: development of theoretical knowledge as professional autonomy and power, internal control for the profession, guidance to professional practice, practice standardization, inter and intra-professional communication, and outcomes assessment and improvement.