Measuring progress in nursing and midwifery globally.

PURPOSE

To discuss issues and challenges encountered in the preliminary steps of identifying a core set of global indicators for measuring progress in nursing and midwifery development.

ORGANIZING CONSTRUCT

Lack of a global and systematic approach for collecting evidence has undermined the ability to reliably measure progress.

METHODS

Description of general principles, scientific criteria, and strategic directions.

CONCLUSIONS

WHO's organizational support and global conditions are forces that indicated appropriate timing for these strategic directions. Concerted efforts are needed in all countries to implement these directions to advance nursing and midwifery services.