Implementation Of Evidence-Based Midwifery Practice In Clinical Decision Making: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Evidence-Based Midwifery Practice (EBMP) is an approach that integrates the best available evidence, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to improve the quality of midwifery care. However, the implementation of EBMP in clinical decision-making remains suboptimal across various healthcare settings. This study aimed to examine the implementation of EBMP in clinical decision-making within midwifery care through a systematic literature review following the PRISMA approach. Literature searches were conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for articles published between 2020 and 2025 using the keywords “evidence-based midwifery,” “clinical decision making,” and “maternal care.” A total of 10 eligible articles were selected and analyzed using thematic synthesis. The findings indicated that EBMP contributes to improving the accuracy of clinical decision-making, maternal and neonatal safety, and the overall quality of midwifery care. Nevertheless, its implementation is hindered by several barriers, including limited access to evidence resources, insufficient training, time constraints, and inadequate organizational support. In conclusion, EBMP plays a significant role in enhancing clinical decision-making quality; therefore, strengthening midwives’ capacity, improving access to evidence, and increasing institutional support are essential to optimize its implementation in midwifery practice.