Abstract

Like most midwives who have been around for a few years, I have heard stories shared by different people at different times and for different purposes. As midwives we have a rich oral tradition (Leap & Hunter 1993). In recent years, student midwives and midwives on educational programmes are often expected to convert this oral tradition into a written one as part of their reflective practitioner development (Johns & Freshwater 1998). Such reflective writing can feel alien to individuals who have been socialised towards a traditional academic style. I suggest that our socialisation encourages us into thinking and feeling that sharing of experiences by stories, whether oral or written, is 'at best' an informal or anecdotal form of evidence. Could this be because it does not easity fit the Government-supported, medically-led definition of evidence-based practice with its clear hierarchy (DoH 1997)? And yet evidence from health service users via patient and public involvement schemes is fundamental to the National Health Service Plan. Via these forums, the voices, experiences and stories of individuals provide evidence on a continuum that can inform health care development (DoH 2000). Analysis of this situation leads me to suggest reflectively that voices in the NHS are heard differently. Some are heard and afforded a position of authority or dominance. In contrast others, though not intentionally silenced, are expected to be quieter and, by association, not as influential in the generation of knowledge and evidence.