The conduct of ethical research collaboration across international and culturally diverse communities

Abstract

Objective: to present recently developed guidelines by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) to guide the ethical conduct of research by midwives across international and culturally diverse communities. To illustrate the complexities of conducting collaborative research across diverse communities, a case study is provided highlighting unequal power balances, legal, ethical and cultural constraints.

Background: the research guidelines are structured using a human rights framework. The document was developed with input and consideration by the ICM Research Standing Committee and comments of 35 delegates who participated in a workshop to evaluate the guidelines from the perspectives of frontline midwifery clinicians, leaders and researchers. It is intended to serve as a blueprint for midwives aiming to enter into a collaborative research partnership with ethnic and culturally diverse groups.

Conclusions: although the document was developed with the international midwifery community in mind, it will guide any researcher seeking to conduct research in the best interest of women, their newborn babies, their families, and their wider communities.