Implementing reflexology into midwifery practice
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
This paper reports on a small quantitative study of midwives who had undertaken a midwifery reflexology course in NSW, Australia. In particular, it examines some of the barriers and influences which affect implementing knowledge into practice.
Key Findings: what this observational study found
- ✓Midwives who completed a midwifery reflexology course faced significant barriers when attempting to implement reflexology into their clinical practice.
- ✓Implementation of reflexology knowledge into practice was influenced by organizational and contextual factors beyond individual midwife training.
- ✓The study identified that education alone is insufficient to ensure adoption of reflexology techniques in midwifery settings without addressing institutional support and practice environment.
What This Means for You
This small study shows that trained midwives may face challenges using reflexology in practice, so availability may depend on your healthcare setting rather than on strong evidence of its effectiveness.
What This Means for Practitioners
Understanding the barriers to implementing reflexology into midwifery practice can help you address common obstacles and advocate for integration into healthcare settings.
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
This small study shows that trained midwives may face challenges using reflexology in practice, so availability may depend on your healthcare setting rather than on strong evidence of its effectiveness.
What did this study find?
Midwives who completed a midwifery reflexology course faced significant barriers when attempting to implement reflexology into their clinical practice. Implementation of reflexology knowledge into practice was influenced by organizational and contextual factors beyond individual midwife training. The study identified that education alone is insufficient to ensure adoption of reflexology techniques in midwifery settings without addressing institutional support and practice environment.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a observational study and we rate its evidence limited. It was published in The Australian journal of holistic nursing. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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