Students' perceptions of research and evidence-based practice pedagogy

Research and evidence have a long history in midwifery education and practice. Thus, this literature review aimed to gain an overview of what was known about students' perceptions of research and EBP pedagogy in their pre-registration training.

Nine databases were searched. Data was included in the review if published between 2009 and 2024. The findings of the included n=29 studies were integrated to identify the predominant themes surrounding the phenomenon.

It was identified that the way research and EBP education are facilitated is generally satisfactory to students. Yet, students may value learning about research and EBP less than clinical elements. It was also identified that for some students, there is a disconnect between what students learnt in university and what they believed was needed in practice. This could be potentially due to a lack of evidence-based behaviours demonstrated by qualified clinicians.

There is, for some students, a detachment between what is taught in theory and what is considered needed in practice concerning research and EBP. Given that evidence-based practice is a cornerstone of midwifery practice, understanding how to diminish this disconnect would be beneficial and assist in closing the practice-theory gap.