The gap between evidence and practice in maternal healthcare

The expected improvement in maternal and perinatal health in developing countries has not yet materialized. In addition to the factors related to socioeconomic conditions, we have identified areas where large gaps between evidence and practice are apparent. These gaps are in clinical care, implementation of effective practices and in selecting research priorities. We present examples from our own research and the literature to illustrate these points. (C) 2001 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics. All rights reserved.