Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research1735-906622420170815Evidence based Draft Guideline for Prevention of Midwifery Malpractices based on Referred Cases to the Forensic Medicine Commission and the Medical Council from 2006–20113138ENGLISHM.S. Student of Midwifery Care Research Center,Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranFaculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Yazd University of Medical Sciences and Research Center for Nursing and Midwifery Care, Yazd, IranDepartment of Midwifery and Reproductive Health, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranMember of Legal Medicine Research Center, Isfahan Legal Medicine Center, Isfahan, Iran2017081520170815<p><strong>Abstract</strong><br /> <strong>Background: </strong>Medical errors are the main concerns in health systems, which considering their ascending rate in the recent years, especially in the field of midwifery, have caused a medical crisis. Considering the importance of evidence‑based health services as a way to improve health systems, the aim of this study was to suggest a guideline for preventing malpractice in midwifery services.</p><p><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>In this cross‑sectional study that was conducted in 2013, we investigated 206 cases that were referred to the Isfahan Legal Medicine Organization and Medical Council of Forensic Medicine from 2006–2011. Data were collected by a checklist and were analyzed using SPSS‑16 software. Descriptive statistical tests (mean, maximum, minimum, standard deviation, frequency, and percentage agreement) were used to describe the data. Then, we used the Delphi technique with the participation from 17 experts in midwifery, gynecology, and legal medicine to provide an evidence‑based draft guideline for prevention of midwifery errors.</p><p> <strong>Results: </strong>A total of 206 cases were reviewed. In 66 cases (32%) the verdict for malpractice in midwifery services was approved. A practical draft guideline for preventing clinical errors for midwifery in the fields of <br /> pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum period was developed.</p><p> <strong>Conclusions: </strong>This evidence‑based draft guideline can improve the attention of all the healthcare providers, especially midwives and physicians to prevent urgent problems and offer effective health services for mothers and infants.<br /> <em></em></p>http://ijnmr.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijnmr/article/view/1467http://ijnmr.mui.ac.ir/index.php/ijnmr/article/download/1467/1162