%0 Journal Article
%T The growth of a culture of evidence-based obstetrics in South Africa: a qualitative case study
%A Karen Daniels
%A Simon Lewin
%A the Practihc Policy Group
%J Reproductive Health
%D 2011
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1742-4755-8-5
%X A qualitative case-study approach was used. This included a literature review, a policy document review, a timeline of key events and the collection and analysis of 15 interviews with policy makers and academic clinicians involved in these policy processes and sampled using a purposive approach. The data was analysed thematically.The concept of evidence-based medicine became embedded in South African academic obstetrics at a very early stage in relation to the development of the concept internationally. The diffusion of this concept into local academic obstetrics was facilitated by contact and exchange between local academic obstetricians, opinion leaders in international research and structures promoting evidence-based practice. Furthermore the growing acceptance of the concept was stimulated locally through the use of existing professional networks and meetings to share ideas and the contribution of local researchers to building the evidence base for obstetrics both locally and internationally. As a testimony to the extent of the diffusion of evidence-based medicine, South Africa has strongly evidence-based policies for maternal health.This case study shows that the combined efforts of local and international researchers can create a culture of evidence-based medicine within one country. It also shows that doing so required time and perseverance from international researchers combined with a readiness by local researchers to receive and actively promote the practice.A shift has taken place in obstetrics over the past three decades [1,2]. This shift has seen a growth in the use of evidence in the fields of obstetrics and midwifery alongside the growth of evidence-based medicine more broadly [1,3-5]. There is also a growing awareness of the need to extend evidence-based obstetric practice and policy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) [6-12]. Several studies across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America have shown a lack of awareness amongst health
%U http://www.reproductive-health-journal.com/content/8/1/5