Includes index.

Contents: Introduction -- Section 1: The context of midwifery research and practice: Research and evidence in midwifery practice -- The historical context of research in midwifery -- Research and development in the NHS -- Ethics and good practice -- Involving consumers in research -- Reviewing existing knowledge -- Asking questions about practice and using appropriate research methods -- Words into action: disseminating and implementing the findings of research -- Developing standards for practice -- Education for best practice -- The reality of evidence-based practice in midwifery -- Developing research and evidence-based practice in midwifery - the next 20 years -- Section 2: Core skills for research: Designing a research proposal -- Applying to local research ethics committee -- Questionnaire design -- Conducting interviews with individuals and groups -- Conducing participant and non-participant pbserational studies.