The gap between evidence and practice in maternal healthcare.
The expected improvement in maternal and perinatal health in developing countries has not yet materialized. In addition to the factors related to socioeconomic conditions, we have identified areas where large gaps between evidence and practice are apparent. These gaps are in clinical care, implementation of effective practices and in selecting research priorities. We present examples from our own research and the literature to illustrate these points.
Villar
J
J
UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP), Department of Reproductive Health and Research, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland.
Carroli
G
G
Gülmezoglu
A M
AM
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008427:Maternal Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011787:Quality of Health Care