Abstract
Writing scientific journal articles is an essential skill for undergraduate midwifery students to disseminate research findings and enrich clinical midwifery practice. Two main pillars determine the quality of a journal article: the evidence-based practice (EBP) approach and research novelty. This article aims to analyze the alignment between the writing theme and EBP principles, describe strategies for identifying novelty, and explain the correct use of tenses in academic manuscripts. The method employed is a literature study and conceptual analysis based on current scientific writing guidelines. The discussion shows that integrating EBP through the hierarchy of evidence (e.g., systematic review or randomized controlled trial) and presenting novelty based on research gaps significantly increases the likelihood of article acceptance in indexed journals. The use of simple present tense for general statements and facts, simple past tense for methods and results, and present perfect tense for outcomes that remain relevant is recommended. This article concludes that midwifery students need to practice evidence synthesis skills and problem innovation from an early stage.
Keywords: evidence-based practice, research novelty, journal article, midwifery, academic writing
INTRODUCTION
Undergraduate midwifery students at Universitas Muhammadiyah Ahmad Dahlan Cirebon are required to produce scientific work that is not only procedural but also impactful on midwifery practice. One important output is a journal article that contains research novelty and is based on scientific evidence. Without novelty, an article merely repeats existing reports; without strong evidence, the recommendations provided cannot be clinically justified. Therefore, this article will discuss three main aspects: (1) alignment of the writing with the theme of EBP and novelty, (2) strategies for presenting novelty based on research gaps, and (3) the correct use of tenses in each section of the article.
DISCUSSION
1. Alignment of the Writing with the Theme of Evidence-Based Practice and Research Novelty
Alignment means the article content consistently reflects the two core concepts. In midwifery, a paper is considered aligned when:
- The research question is formulated using the PICO format (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome), for example: “Is oxytocin massage (I) more effective than synthetic oxytocin (C) in increasing breast milk production (O) in post-cesarean section mothers (P)?”
- The literature review prioritizes sources with high levels of evidence, such as systematic reviews, meta-analyses, or clinical guidelines from professional organizations (e.g., ACNM or IDI).
- The conclusion is not speculative but directly refers to the strength of the evidence presented.
For example, an article on “The Effectiveness of Prenatal Exercise on Reducing Back Pain” would align with the theme if the author includes a literature map showing that previous evidence was limited to cross-sectional designs, then offers a quasi-experimental study as the novelty. Thus, alignment is not merely about the title but is visible throughout the entire article flow.
2. Evidence-Based Practice and Research Novelty
a. Evidence-Based Practice in Midwifery Journal Articles
EBP is the integration of the best research evidence, clinical expertise, and patient values. In writing an article, students need to demonstrate that their recommendations are not based on a single case study but are supported by the hierarchy of evidence. The levels of evidence from highest to lowest are:
- Systematic review or meta-analysis of RCTs
- Randomized controlled trial (RCT)
- Quasi-experimental and cohort study
- Case-control and cross-sectional study
- Case reports and expert opinion
A good article already cites the level of evidence for each reference used.
b. Research Novelty
Novelty does not mean something that has never been discovered anywhere in the world, but can take the form of:
- A new population: for example, the application of hypnobirthing education to pregnant women with a history of recurrent miscarriage in the Cirebon region (not yet studied in this population).
- A new combination of interventions: for example, a combination of warm water immersion and lavender aromatherapy to reduce pain in the first stage of labor.
- A different design or research location: for example, a mixed-method design to explore cultural factors affecting antenatal care (ANC) visits in coastal areas.
- Development of local instruments or protocols: for example, modification of a high-risk-based partograph observation sheet.
To make novelty clearly visible, students must write a Research Gap subsection in the introduction. Example sentence: “Several studies have examined the effectiveness of katuk leaves for enhancing breast milk production, but no study has compared them with moringa leaf extract among breastfeeding mothers with undernutrition status at primary healthcare facilities.”
3. Correct Use of Tenses
The use of tenses in journal articles follows international conventions (IMRaD) and must be consistent. The following is a practical guide for midwifery students: Article Section Dominant Tense Example Sentence Abstract Simple present tense (background & conclusion), simple past tense (methods & results) This study examines… (present). Data were collected… (past). Introduction Simple present tense (general facts, theory) & present perfect tense (previous research still relevant) Maternal mortality rate is a key indicator… (present). Several studies have shown that… (present perfect). Methods Simple past tense (passive voice is often used) A quasi-experimental design was employed. Participants were recruited from…Results Simple past tense The mean pain score decreased from 6.5 to 3.2 Discussion Mixed: simple present (interpretation), simple past (referring to own results), present perfect (linking to other studies) This finding is consistent with… (present). Our study found a… (past). Other researchers have reported… (present perfect). Conclusion Simple present tense We conclude that…, The implication of this study is…
A common mistake: using the simple future tense (will, shall, would) in the results or conclusion. In journal articles, predictions are not allowed except in suggestions for future research.
CONCLUSION
Writing journal articles in midwifery requires undergraduate students to integrate evidence-based practice and research novelty simultaneously. Thematic alignment is achieved when the research question uses the PICO format, the literature review is based on the hierarchy of evidence, and the conclusion does not overstate the evidence. Novelty can be demonstrated through a new population, intervention, design, or location, and must be formulated in a clear research gap. The correct use of tenses—especially simple present, simple past, and present perfect—is a technical skill equally important for meeting the standards of indexed journals. With continuous practice, students of Universitas Muhammadiyah Ahmad Dahlan Cirebon can produce articles that make a genuine contribution to the advancement of evidence-based midwifery practice.
REFERENCES
Greenhalgh, T. (2019). How to Read a Paper: The Basics of Evidence-Based Medicine and Healthcare (6th ed.). Wiley-Blackwell.
Hoffmann, T., Bennett, S., & Del Mar, C. (2017). Evidence-Based Practice Across the Health Professions (3rd ed.). Elsevier.
Melnyk, B. M., & Fineout-Overholt, E. (2019). Evidence-Based Practice in Nursing & Healthcare: A Guide to Best Practice (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Perry, S. E., Hockenberry, M. J., Lowdermilk, D. L., & Wilson, D. (2018). Maternal Child Nursing Care in Canada (2nd ed.). Elsevier Canada.
Sastroasmoro, S., & Ismael, S. (2014). Dasar-dasar Metodologi Penelitian Klinis [Fundamentals of Clinical Research Methods] (5th ed.). Sagung Seto.
Universitas Muhammadiyah Ahmad Dahlan Cirebon. (2023). Panduan Penulisan Artikel Jurnal untuk Program Studi S1 Kebidanan [Guidelines for Writing Journal Articles for the Undergraduate Midwifery Study Program]. Cirebon: UMA Cirebon Press.
Tinggalkan Balasan