Navigating midwifery solidarity: A feminist participatory action research framework

BackgroundA core aspect of midwifery philosophy is the optimisation of normal physiology; however, this has been challenged as a radical idea in the medicalisation of birth. Research has demonstrated the benefits of midwifery in improving outcomes for both mothers and babies. The understanding of midwifery benefits fails to reach wider sociocultural contexts as births becomes more medicalised. Midwifery research requires an action arm, to help translate theory to practice and mobilise midwives in solidarity with women towards action and change.AimThe aim of this article is to describe a Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) by establishing the philosophical underpinnings, theory and methodology with an exemplar.MethodsFPAR has two distinct yet intertwined parts, a research arm and an action arm. The study was conducted using FPAR, and collaboration with nine women, who led transformative action within their community. The exemplar details the use of the FPAR framework.FindingsA FPAR framework was developed through this research to guide researchers aiming to use the FPAR design. The framework details four steps: 1. Create, 2. Collaborate, 3. Consider, and 4. Change. The iterative FPAR cycles were shown in this study to centre women in the research and guide the community research group towards transformative action.ConclusionFPAR is shown in this project to assist midwifery researchers to realise solidarity and provides support for other midwifery researchers in applying feminist theory and participatory methodologies to bring about transformation within their research.     

Development of a Prediction Model for Hospital Closure Using Financial Accounting Data*

Numerous research studies have examined the use of financial accounting data in the prediction of corporate bankruptcy. Partly due to a lack of available data, however, little work has been done in developing a closure prediction model specifically for hospitals. Using cost reports from the Health Care Financing Administration and a sample of 71 closed hospitals and a matched sample of 71 open hospitals, the current study examines the relationship between 21 financial accounting ratios and hospital closure. Univariate logit results indicate that hospital closure is significantly related to 17 of the 21 ratios one year prior to closure. Results are also presented using a multivariate model, and for the relationships two years prior to closure. The current study provides information helpful to users in identifying financial variables which may be important indicators of hospital closure.