Abstract Submission Guidelines
Theme: Midwives: Critical in every Crisis
Sub-Theme 1: Strengthening Midwifery Systems: Resilience, Equity, and Adaptation
- Focus: This sub-theme emphasizes the structural and systemic aspects of midwifery, particularly in challenging environments.
- We invite research abstracts addressing issues such as (but not limited to):
- Human Resources for Health & Brain Drain: Addresses the need for a robust and sustained midwifery workforce.
- Work environment: Addresses the need for healthy work environment and interprofessional collaboration
- Woman equality in midwifery: focuses on the importance of equality in the midwifery field itself.
- Midwifery education in the changing environment: Highlights the need for adaptable and relevant training.
- Legislative framework & Policy: Examines the role of supportive policies in enabling effective midwifery practice.
- Political instability/geo-tensions: Considers how systems can withstand and adapt to disruptions.
- Technology and innovation in maternal care: Explores how technology can strengthen systems.
- The impact of climate change on midwifery services: Highlights the adaptation that will be needed to cope with climate change.
Sub-Theme 2: Navigating Complexities: Holistic Midwifery Care in Crisis
- Focus: This sub-theme highlights the multifaceted nature of midwifery care, especially in crisis situations, and the need for a holistic approach.
- We invite research abstracts addressing issues related to holistic midwifery care (but not limited to):
- Mental health: Addressing perinatal mental well-being and self-care for both mothers and healthcare professionals.
- Pre-existing medical conditions & Infectious diseases: Acknowledges the need for expertise in managing complex health issues.
- Sexual and reproductive health and GBV: Underscores the critical role of midwives in addressing these sensitive areas.
- Teenage pregnancy: Highlights a specific vulnerable population requiring specialized care.
- Woman centred care: Reinforces the importance of personalized and respectful care.
- Social determinants of health: recognizing that all of these complexities are affected by the social determinants of health.
Sub-Theme 3: Innovating for Impact: Midwifery Solutions in a Changing World
- Focus: This sub-theme centers on the proactive and forward-thinking aspects of midwifery, emphasizing innovation and adaptation to meet evolving challenges.
- We invite research abstracts exploring innovations and midwifery solutions (but not limited to):
- Technology and innovation in maternal care: Promotes the use of new tools and approaches.
- Midwifery education in the changing environment: Stresses the need for continuous learning and adaptation.
- Political instability/geo-tensions: calls for innovative solutions to continue care in difficult political climates.
- Legislative framework & Policy: Encourages the creation of innovative policy.
- National Health Insurance and Public Private Partnerships: exploring the way forward.
NOTE: The papers fall within 4 tracks;
- Research (Scientific papers)
- Innovations
- Best practices
- Reflections
Deadline Dates
- Abstracts will not be accepted after the closing date of 1st June 2025.
- Presenters should be fully paid and registered for SOMSA congress by 1st July 2025.
- Accepted papers are subject to online registration and receipt of full payment of the registration fee. Your paper will be excluded should your registration fee not be received by the 1st July 2025.
Notification of acceptance
Notification of provisional acceptance will be sent to the corresponding author by the 20th June 2025. Please note that only the corresponding author will receive this email concerning the abstract and is responsible for informing all co-authors of the status of the abstract.
Authors whose abstracts have been accepted will receive instructions for the presentation of their abstract.
The presenter needs to be the first listed author on the submission.
Guidelines
- Submit a professional biography of the presenting author of 100 words and to be copied and pasted under the tab biography.
- You need not be a SOMSA member to present a paper/poster. All abstracts must be written in English.
- Abstracts must be submitted to SOMSA on the email: admin@midwivessociety.co.za
- All research abstracts should disclose primary findings and avoid, whenever possible, promissory statements such as “experiments are in progress” or “results will be discussed”.
- Keywords = 3