Clinical nursing and midwifery research in Latin American and Caribbean countries: A scoping review

Abstract

Aim: To identify and describe published, nursing-led and midwifery-led, clinical research that has been conducted in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Background: Peer-reviewed published research may correspond to and elucidate country's realities, priorities, and needs.

Design: A 6-stage scoping review methodology was used to search scientific databases using an applied search strategy.

Data sources: Five databases were searched for articles published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese conducted in a Latin American or Caribbean country between January 1, 2006 and June 14, 2016.

Review methods: Articles were independently considered for inclusion by 2 researchers, data extracted, and study characteristics described.

Results: Of 6922 articles identified, 404 were included. The majority were conducted in Brazil (90.6%) followed by Chile (2.5%). Most were nurse-led (95.8%) and were implemented in hospitals (48.6%). Studies frequently explored patient knowledge or characterized patient populations (61.3%) and commonly assessed chronic disease (19.3%) or maternity/child health outcomes (15.9%).

Conclusion: Findings revealed a large number of publications but an uneven geographical distribution of nurse-led clinical research and an evident gap of midwifery-related research in Latin America and the Caribbean. Results may be used to build research agendas to promote nursing and midwifery research capacity and further establish evidence-based practice.

Keywords: Caribbean; Latin America; clinical research; midwifery; nursing; scoping review.