ACM is delighted with the recent change to the Australian and New Zealand Standard Research Classification (ANZSRC) which for the first-time has recognised Midwifery as a distinct profession, rather than as a subset of nursing, through the allocation of separate Field of Research Codes.
ACM, and our members, advocated strongly for this change which represents a significant step forward for both midwifery research and midwifery as a distinct profession in Australia and New Zealand. This change reflects the hard work and leadership of midwifery and midwives globally and provides for much-needed recognition of the dedication of midwives to the lives of women and families every day. We welcome the acknowledgement and addition of midwifery research to the ANZSRC and see this as an opportunity to both lead and shape the advancement of maternity care in Australia.
At the same time, global Research Journal Impact Factors have been released for 2019 showing an 11% increase for Australia’s Women and Birth Journal (ACM’s own journal). The Journal is now the second highest ranked maternity-related journal after Birth – Issues in Perinatal Care and ranked #10 of all Nursing and Midwifery journals worldwide.
ACM would like to congratulate Editor in Chief Caroline Homer and her team on this incredible achievement, and thank the contributing authors for undertaking and sharing their important research. ACM Midwifery Advisor, Dr Megan Cooper said, “Midwifery is underpinned by evidence-based, best practice. Research is incredibly important to the future of maternity care in Australia and ensuring the best possible outcomes for women and their babies.
“Being armed with the latest evidence means that midwives can ensure women have access to information about all of their options, are able to exercise truly informed choices and are able to experience a satisfying and fulfilling pregnancy and birth that reflects their individual needs and aspirations. These factors are foundational to a successful transition to parenthood” she concluded.
For comment, please contact:
ACM Midwifery Advisor Ruth King on 0408 618 227
ACM Midwifery Advisor Dr Megan Cooper on 0409 199 087
ACM President Terri Barrett on 0419 116 772
Additional information: The Australian College of Midwives
The Australian College of Midwives (ACM) is the peak professional body for midwives in Australia who are registered with, and regulated by, the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA). ACM’s position is that women be attended during pregnancy, birth and postnatally by a midwife who is registered with the NMBA.
The ANZSRC is a set of three related classifications used in the measurement and analysis of research and experimental development (R&D) statistics in Australia and New Zealand. The ANZSRC 2020 replaces the 2008 iteration.
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