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Healthcare
Special Issues
Advancing Midwifery and Nursing Practice: Equity, Inclusion and Integrated Care
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Advancing Midwifery and Nursing Practice: Equity, Inclusion and Integrated Care

A special issue of Healthcare (ISSN 2227-9032). This special issue belongs to the section "Women’s and Children’s Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 2 August 2026 | Viewed by 1872

Editors

Dr. Simona Fumagalli

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
Interests: quality of care; intrapartum care; maternal and neonatal outcomes; normal labor; health equity
Dr. Laura Iannuzzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Centre for Midwifery and Women’s Health, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth BH12 5BB, UK
Interests: quality of maternal and neonatal care (QMNC); midwifery-led models; respectful care; progress of labour; healthy settings/environment; salutogenesis; public health; women's health

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to this Special Issue dedicated to exploring the strategic directions for midwifery and nursing in advancing inclusion, equity, and health. In recent years, nursing and midwifery have been increasingly recognized as key disciplines in achieving global health goals, particularly in promoting community well-being and reducing disparities. The World Health Organization has outlined strategic directions aimed at strengthening these professions, emphasizing the importance of person-centered care, cultural sensitivity, and social justice. The scientific literature confirms that enhancing professional competencies, clinical competence, and interprofessional collaboration is essential to improving both access to and the quality of care, especially in underserved or vulnerable settings. 

This Special Issue aims to collect theoretical and empirical contributions that explore and critically analyze current practices, models, and innovations in midwifery and nursing, with particular attention to their impact on health equity, social inclusion, and the long-term resilience and sustainability of health services. Submissions may address topics such as integrated care strategies and long-term care models, professional roles, evidence-based interventions, and community-engaged approaches. The proposed theme aligns with Healthcare’s focus on multidisciplinary research and practical solutions that improve health outcomes across populations. 

In this Special Issue, original research articles and reviews are welcome. Research areas may include (but are not limited to) the following:

  • Strategic frameworks and global policy implications for midwifery and nursing;
  • Educational innovations to promote equity and development;
  • Evidence-based clinical practices focused on underserved populations;
  • Community health initiatives and participatory care models;
  • Coordinated interprofessional models and organizational frameworks that promote inclusive and equitable care;
  • Impacts of global crises (e.g., pandemics, conflict) on midwifery and nursing practices.

Dr. Simona Fumagalli
Dr. Laura Iannuzzi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Healthcare is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • health equity
  • quality of care
  • vulnerability
  • global health
  • midwifery
  • nursing
  • health outcomes
  • education
  • evidence based practices
  • determinants of health

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

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15 pages, 690 KB  
Article
Equity and Inclusion: A Review of NHS and HSC Online Information for Women in the Early Phase of Labour
by Maryam Malekian, Dominique C. M. Mylod, Hina Tariq and Vanora A. Hundley
Healthcare 2026, 14(13), 1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14131911 - 1 Jul 2026
Viewed by 178
Abstract
Background: The early or latent phase of labour (early labour) is a time when women feel unsupported and have limited access to quality midwifery support, often being advised to stay at home. As a result, women seek online information and often turn [...] Read more.
Background: The early or latent phase of labour (early labour) is a time when women feel unsupported and have limited access to quality midwifery support, often being advised to stay at home. As a result, women seek online information and often turn to hospital websites as a trusted source of this information. Women from underserved and marginalised groups may be particularly reliant on online information. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the availability, accessibility, content, and evidence base of online early labour information provided by UK hospitals, with a focus on inclusivity, and equity in information provision. Methods: A systematic search of NHS and HSC maternity websites across the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland) was undertaken to identify publicly available guidance on early labour. Eligible materials included webpages, downloadable leaflets, and multimedia resources. The identified guidance was evaluated in terms of availability, accessibility, content, and transparency of evidence. Data were synthesised descriptively and presented using narrative summaries and tables. Results: A total of 146 hospital websites were reviewed, of which 72 (49%) provided guidance specific to early labour or included a dedicated section on the latent phase. There was marked variation in availability, accessibility, and content. Accessibility was often limited, with few multilingual resources, alternative formats, or inclusive visual materials. Most guidance was text-heavy, with minimal use of multimodal or user-friendly formats and limited representation of diverse populations. Clinical content also varied, particularly in definitions of early labour and recommendations for pain management. Only a minority of resources referenced supporting evidence. Conclusions: Online early labour information provided by UK maternity services varies in availability, accessibility, and inclusivity, raising important equity concerns. Limitations in accessibility, consistency, and transparency of evidence may contribute to disparities in understanding and decision-making, particularly among women from disadvantaged or marginalised groups. There is a clear need for standardised, evidence-based, and inclusive information that is accessible to diverse populations to support equitable maternity care during early labour. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Midwifery and Nursing Practice: Equity, Inclusion and Integrated Care)
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31 pages, 923 KB  
Systematic Review
Menstrual Health Under Constraint: A Meta-Synthesis of Refugee Women’s Experiences
by Francesca Marchetti, Fabiana Staccioli, Margaret Smith, Francesco Rasi, Francesca Zambri and Sofia Colaceci
Healthcare 2026, 14(13), 1974; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14131974 - 2 Jul 2026
Viewed by 222
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Refugee populations face significant barriers in accessing healthcare services, particularly in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), with important implications for menstrual health. Limited access to adequate menstrual products, safe sanitation facilities, and appropriate information contributes to period poverty among migrant and [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Refugee populations face significant barriers in accessing healthcare services, particularly in sexual and reproductive health (SRH), with important implications for menstrual health. Limited access to adequate menstrual products, safe sanitation facilities, and appropriate information contributes to period poverty among migrant and refugee women, exacerbating conditions of vulnerability and discrimination. The present study aims to explore the lived experiences, barriers, and facilitating factors in the management of menstrual health and menarche among refugee women and girls. Methods: A systematic meta-synthesis was carried out between January and May 2026 using the PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus and LILACS databases and grey literature sources. The SPIDER framework was applied to guide the research question and search strategy. Qualitative and mixed-method primary studies and grey literature reports containing qualitative findings describing experiences of menstruation among refugee women and girls were included. Studies published in English, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese were eligible. Study quality was appraised using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist. Data were analysed using a thematic synthesis approach as described by Thomas and Harden. Results: A total of 24 studies were included. Six analytical themes were identified: (1) structural constraints affecting access to resources and services; (2) context-dependent menstrual management practices; (3) female support networks; (4) menstruation as a socially constructed and learned experience; (5) constrained agency and compromised dignity under conditions of stigma; and (6) physical and psychological impacts. Overall, menstrual health was shaped by the interaction of structural barriers and socio-cultural norms, which limited safe and dignified management. Significant gaps in knowledge and preparedness were observed, particularly prior to menarche. Women and girls relied on coping strategies and informal support networks despite associated trade-offs for health and dignity. Conclusions: Menstrual health among refugee women and girls is shaped by structural inequalities, socio-cultural norms, and conditions of displacement. Addressing these challenges requires integrated, multisectoral approaches that go beyond product provision to tackle underlying determinants. Strengthening menstrual health literacy, engaging communities, and supporting the role of healthcare professionals such as midwives is essential to support more equitable and sustainable menstrual health interventions. Findings should be interpreted in light of the heterogeneity of study contexts and methodological quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Midwifery and Nursing Practice: Equity, Inclusion and Integrated Care)
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14 pages, 671 KB  
Systematic Review
Determinants of Midwifery Workforce Disaster Preparedness and Its Impact on the Continuity of Maternal Care: A Systematic Review
by Eirini Orovou, Alina Liepinaitienė, Chrysoula Taskou, Kleanthi Gourounti, Dimitrios Papoutsis and Antigoni Sarantaki
Healthcare 2026, 14(11), 1499; https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14111499 - 28 May 2026
Viewed by 516
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Natural disasters and climate-related emergencies increasingly disrupt maternal healthcare systems, placing growing demands on the midwifery workforce. While midwives play a critical role in maintaining continuity of care, evidence on how workforce preparedness influences service delivery remains limited. This systematic review aimed [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Natural disasters and climate-related emergencies increasingly disrupt maternal healthcare systems, placing growing demands on the midwifery workforce. While midwives play a critical role in maintaining continuity of care, evidence on how workforce preparedness influences service delivery remains limited. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence on determinants of midwives’ disaster preparedness and examine their association with continuity of maternal care. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Scopus, and Web of Science from inception to March 2026. Eligible studies examined midwives or midwifery-led care in natural disasters or climate-related emergencies. Data were extracted independently by two reviewers, and methodological quality appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Due to substantial methodological and clinical heterogeneity across study designs, populations, and outcomes, a meta-analysis was not feasible and findings were synthesized narratively. Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, with the evidence base consisting predominantly of qualitative and cross-sectional studies, alongside one cohort study. Evidence was mainly derived from earthquake-affected settings. Preparedness was influenced by individual, professional, organizational, and psychosocial factors. Insufficient disaster-specific training, role ambiguity, and limited institutional preparedness were linked to reduced response capacity and disruptions across antenatal, intrapartum, and postnatal care. Conclusions: The evidence suggests that midwifery workforce preparedness is an important determinant of continuity of maternal care during disasters and climate-related emergencies. Strengthening disaster education, integrating midwives into emergency planning, and enhancing organizational support are essential to improve health system resilience. Further longitudinal and intervention-based research across diverse disaster contexts is needed to strengthen the evidence base. However, the findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the limited number and heterogeneity of included studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Midwifery and Nursing Practice: Equity, Inclusion and Integrated Care)
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