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Wendy Graham, Oona Campbell, Lenka Benova, Adrienne Testa, Kerry Wong, Dorothy Boggs, Rachel Scott, Dominic Forrest, Josie Gallo, Francesca Cavallaro, Nadine Seward, Justine M, Susannah Woodd, and Romelia Osorio

Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for people who are studying, researching or working in maternal health or related disciplines such as public health, global health or medicine. If you’re a healthcare professional, you may find it useful to upgrade this course to support your continuing professional development (CPD). By upgrading, you’ll be able to take this course at your own pace and revisit the material at any time in future. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement as evidence of your CPD. This includes details of what you learnt and the number of learning hours required. You can use the hashtag #FLmaternalhealth to talk about this course on social media.

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Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more This course is designed for people who are studying, researching or working in maternal health or related disciplines such as public health, global health or medicine. If you’re a healthcare professional, you may find it useful to upgrade this course to support your continuing professional development (CPD). By upgrading, you’ll be able to take this course at your own pace and revisit the material at any time in future. Once you complete the course, you’ll receive a Certificate of Achievement as evidence of your CPD. This includes details of what you learnt and the number of learning hours required. You can use the hashtag #FLmaternalhealth to talk about this course on social media.

Topics Covered

  • The shifting burden of the epidemiology of global maternal health, how it has changed and key drivers
  • Capability and coverage of maternal health care including where and how women give birth; linking women to routine and emergency care; facility capability and staffing
  • Quality maternal health care and how it relates to evidence-based medicine and respectful care
  • Poor quality maternal health care including “too much, too soon” and “too little, too late”, and how care can be improved
  • Navigating the future of global maternal health including evolving priorities, challenges and opportunities in the Sustainable Development
  • Goal era including shocks; innovations; partnership and advocacy; financing; developing better data collection and research

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Reviews summary

Global maternal health: evidence-based insights

According to students, this course provides an incredibly comprehensive and up-to-date overview of global maternal health, drawing heavily on recent Lancet series publications and robust evidence. It is widely regarded as highly relevant for healthcare professionals and those in public health, proving particularly valuable for continuing professional development (CPD). While many learners found the expert contributions insightful and the course structure logical, a few noted that the content can be dense and academic, potentially challenging for those new to global health research. The course is seen as demanding but highly rewarding, though some desired more interactive elements or active forum discussions.
Taught by highly knowledgeable experts in the field.
"The expert contributions were insightful, making complex topics digestible."
"The instructors are clearly experts in their fields."
"It reinforced my existing knowledge and expanded it significantly."
Directly applicable for healthcare and public health professionals.
"The content was highly relevant for my work in public health policy... A must for anyone serious about this field."
"As a healthcare professional, I needed something to bridge the gap between academic research and practical application, and this course delivered."
"I found it perfectly suitable for my ongoing professional development. The case studies were particularly helpful in grounding the theory."
Provides robust, evidence-based global maternal health insights.
"This course provided an incredibly comprehensive and up-to-date overview of global maternal health, drawing heavily on recent Lancet series publications."
"The course content is excellent, very rich in evidence and current research. I found the modules on epidemiology and quality of care particularly strong."
"It's truly a global perspective, and the emphasis on evidence is clear. The instructors are clearly experts in their fields."
Some wished for more active forums and interactive elements.
"My only minor critique is that some discussions in the forums were not as active as I hoped, which limited peer interaction."
"I felt it sometimes lacked interactive elements that could help solidify understanding for a broader audience."
Offers rigorous, research-heavy content, potentially dense for some.
"While the information is undoubtedly important and accurate, I found some of the presentations a bit dry. For a beginner, it might be overwhelming..."
"The content is dense and very academic. As someone relatively new to global health research, I found it challenging to keep up without prior extensive background."
"Some parts felt a little academic, which is fine for research, but I was hoping for a bit more emphasis on immediate clinical application."

Career center

Learners who complete The Lancet Maternal Health Series: Global Research and Evidence will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We've selected 50 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Lancet Maternal Health Series: Global Research and Evidence.
Providing a comprehensive overview of the field, this book covers study designs, data analysis methods, and the application of epidemiology to public health.
Provides a comprehensive assessment of the quality of care in the United States, including data on access, equity, and outcomes. It is particularly relevant for policymakers who want to make informed decisions about improving the healthcare system.
This comprehensive textbook provides a detailed overview of the principles and practices of data collection in the social sciences, covering topics such as research design, sampling, data quality, and ethical considerations. It offers a strong foundation for understanding the entire data collection process.
This comprehensive and authoritative guide to understanding and applying evidence-based medicine. It provides detailed methods for critically appraising medical literature across various study designs. Widely considered a foundational text and valuable reference tool for students and professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of EBM principles and practice.
Provides a comprehensive introduction to the research process, covering everything from formulating a research question to presenting findings. It's an excellent starting point for high school and undergraduate students to gain a broad understanding of what research entails. It is widely used as a textbook in introductory research and writing courses. The latest edition incorporates contemporary research practices and the use of digital tools.
This comprehensive handbook brings together leading experts in sustainable development to provide a comprehensive analysis of the concept and its various dimensions. It covers a wide range of topics, including environmental sustainability, social justice, and economic development.
Addressing the critical issue of racial disparities in maternal health in the United States, this book explores the factors contributing to poor outcomes for Black women and offers strategies for achieving justice. It highly relevant and contemporary read for anyone seeking to understand and address inequities in maternal care.
A seminal work on the social determinants of health, this book argues that health inequities are a matter of social injustice. It provides a strong evidence base for understanding how social and economic factors drive health outcomes, a critical concept in global health.
A long-standing and highly respected textbook for midwifery students and practitioners. It covers the scope of midwifery practice, from foundational knowledge of pregnancy and birth to complex issues and global health. is an essential resource for those seeking a comprehensive understanding of midwifery-led care and is often used as a core textbook in midwifery education.
A foundational text in research methods, this book offers a clear and accessible comparison of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. It's crucial for undergraduate and graduate students to deepen their understanding of different research paradigms and design choices. is commonly used as a core textbook in research methods courses across various disciplines. The fifth edition provides updated discussions on research proposals and ethical considerations.
A contemporary and essential book for understanding and actively working against racism. Kendi's work provides a framework for identifying and dismantling racist policies and ideas, which is fundamental to much contemporary social justice advocacy. It's a must-read for advocates working on issues of equity and inclusion.
This is an authoritative text focusing on the medical and surgical complications of pregnancy. It key resource for maternal-fetal medicine specialists, obstetricians, and advanced practice nurses. The book delves into complex conditions and their management, making it suitable for those seeking a deep, specialized understanding of high-risk pregnancies.
Emphasizes the role of political systems and policies in shaping health outcomes and creating health inequities. It argues that addressing the political determinants of health is essential for achieving health equity. This crucial read for understanding the root causes of health disparities.
A powerful memoir and call to action against injustice in the American legal system. Stevenson's work with the Equal Justice Initiative exemplifies dedicated legal advocacy and highlights the importance of mercy and justice. It's an inspiring read for anyone interested in criminal justice reform and human rights advocacy.
Ethics are fundamental to global health practice and research. provides a solid introduction to the ethical considerations and dilemmas that arise in global health work, making it highly relevant for students and professionals. It uses case studies to explore complex ethical issues.
This classic text provides a comprehensive analysis of the economic foundations of sustainable development. It challenges conventional economic theories and offers alternative approaches that prioritize environmental sustainability and social equity.
This guide provides practical guidance on how to implement and monitor the SDGs at local, national, and global levels. It offers concrete steps and tools for stakeholders to contribute to achieving the goals.
This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to global health, covering a wide range of topics from infectious diseases to health systems and disparities. It is designed for students and professionals and offers a well-rounded understanding of global health challenges.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues that arise in public health practice. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about the ethical dimensions of public health.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of epidemiology. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about the science of public health.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of health policy and politics. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about the political process and how it affects health policy.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and methods of global public health. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are interested in learning more about the health challenges facing the world today.
This practical guide to data collection methods helps researchers design and implement effective studies, encompassing a wide range of techniques, including surveys, interviews, observations, and archival research. It provides clear and detailed instructions for each method and emphasizes the importance of reliability and validity.
A classic introductory text that provides a practical, step-by-step approach to practicing and teaching evidence-based medicine. It is concise and emphasizes direct clinical application, making it ideal for busy clinicians and students. is commonly used as a core textbook in EBM courses and is excellent for gaining a broad understanding.
This highly influential book examines the history and impact of mass incarceration in the United States, arguing that it functions as a system of racial control. It's a crucial text for understanding contemporary social justice advocacy and the systemic issues that require sustained action.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their implications for various stakeholders. It is well-written and accessible to a broad audience, making it an excellent resource for those seeking a general understanding of the SDGs.
Authored by leading figures in global health, this book offers a critical and interdisciplinary perspective on the field. It delves into the social, economic, and political determinants of health, providing a deeper understanding of the complexities of global health challenges. This valuable resource for both introductory and more advanced learners.
The authoritative style guide for a wide range of academic disciplines, this manual must-read for anyone writing research papers, theses, or dissertations. It provides essential guidelines for formatting, citation, and scholarly communication. It standard reference tool and often required textbook in academic programs. The 7th edition includes updated guidance for online sources and accessibility.
Classic in medical anthropology and highly relevant to global health, particularly concerning cultural competency and health disparities. It illustrates the challenges of navigating different cultural beliefs about health and illness within a healthcare context. This book is essential for understanding the importance of cultural context in global health practice.
This nursing textbook provides a comprehensive overview of maternal and child health care, integrating both aspects as a continuum. It utilizes a nursing process framework and widely used resource in nursing programs to prepare students for caring for families during pregnancy, childbirth, and childhood.
Offers a critical examination of the historical and ongoing impact of colonialism on global health practices and inequities. It challenges conventional approaches and encourages readers to consider the power dynamics inherent in global health work. This is particularly relevant for advanced students and professionals seeking a deeper, more critical understanding.
This guide provides students with an introduction to the key ethical considerations and challenges in research. It covers topics such as academic integrity, data management, consent, and responsible conduct of research. It crucial read for all students undertaking research to understand their ethical obligations. The third edition offers updated case studies and discussions.
Understanding the psychology behind why people say 'yes' is crucial for effective advocacy. Cialdini's book outlines key principles of persuasion based on extensive research. commonly referenced text in marketing, sales, and communication, and its insights are highly applicable to crafting persuasive advocacy messages.
Explores the history and effectiveness of strategic nonviolent action and its role in contemporary social movements. It provides valuable insights into the methods and principles behind successful uprisings and is highly relevant for advocates engaged in direct action and social change campaigns.
This sourcebook is an in-depth guide to the process of analyzing qualitative data, offering a wide range of methods and techniques. It is essential for graduate students and researchers conducting qualitative studies to deepen their analytical skills. The fourth edition includes updated visual displays and significantly revised chapters, making it a valuable reference tool.
Explores the ethical and social implications of data science through an intersectional feminist lens. It's highly relevant for contemporary discussions in research regarding bias, power, and inequality in data collection, analysis, and representation. It's a must-read for researchers working with data who want to engage with critical perspectives and consider the social impact of their work.
Definitive guide to conducting case study research, a widely used qualitative methodology. It covers the design, conduct, and analysis of case studies with numerous examples. It's an essential resource for researchers utilizing or planning to use case study methodology. The sixth edition integrates applications to show how the methods are implemented in practice.
Similar to 'The Playbook,' this book exposes how a small group of scientists deliberately spread doubt about scientific consensus on critical issues like climate change and tobacco. It's a vital resource for advocates in environmental and public health fields seeking to understand and combat the spread of disinformation.
Paul Farmer's work consistently highlights the link between infectious diseases and social inequalities. explores how poverty and social determinants exacerbate the burden of infectious diseases globally. It's a powerful read for understanding the social justice aspects of global health.
An economist examines the data behind common pregnancy advice, debunking myths and providing evidence-based insights. is useful for critically evaluating conventional wisdom and making informed decisions during pregnancy. It offers a data-driven perspective that complements traditional resources.
Focuses specifically on mixed methods research, which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches. It provides a detailed understanding of the designs and procedures involved in conducting mixed methods studies. It key resource for researchers interested in or conducting studies using this increasingly popular approach. The third edition offers updated examples and guidance.
Written by a renowned midwife, this book focuses on the physiological process of birth and advocates for a more natural approach. It includes birth stories and practical advice for labor and delivery. is considered a classic in the natural childbirth movement and offers a different perspective from more medically focused texts.
This introductory textbook provides a critical overview of sustainable development and its various perspectives. It explores the historical evolution of the concept, key debates, and practical applications.
Focuses on longitudinal data analysis, which involves collecting and analyzing data over time. It covers techniques such as generalized linear mixed models and structural equation modeling, providing a valuable resource for researchers working with longitudinal datasets.
Addressing the often-taboo topic of maternal mental health, this book provides validation, support, and coping strategies for new mothers experiencing difficult thoughts and emotions. It valuable resource for understanding the psychological challenges of motherhood and is relevant for both individuals and healthcare providers.
Examines the strategies used by corporations to spread misinformation and undermine science for profit. Understanding these tactics is essential for advocates working to counter corporate influence and promote evidence-based policy.
This volume explores the complex ethical considerations that arise in maternal-fetal medicine. It addresses issues such as patient autonomy, the impact of technology, and disparities in care. is crucial for graduate students and professionals grappling with the ethical dimensions of maternal health practice and policy.
Stone's analysis of the policymaking process highlights the role of ideas, persuasion, and political maneuvering rather than purely rational decision-making. is highly relevant for advocates seeking to influence policy, providing a deeper understanding of the dynamics at play within political systems.

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