Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
Digital maternity care in Germany: a cross-sectional web-based survey on midwives' perceptions
Maternity care, largely provided by midwives, faces increasing cost pressures and demand for efficiency in the German healthcare system. Efficient, digitally supported care models are encouraged, especially in pregnancy, but none have been sustainably established. This study explores midwives' perceptions of their work, digital tool use, and digital pregnancy care to inform the participatory design of a digitally supported maternity care model.
Executive Impact: Modernizing Maternity Care
This study reveals critical insights for healthcare enterprises aiming to integrate digital solutions into maternity care. Midwives are open to digital tools but face systemic barriers, highlighting a clear need for validated, integrated solutions.
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Midwives perceive increasing strain
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Use unvalidated digital tools
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High self-perceived digital competence (out of 10)
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Highest intention-to-use for ePA
Deep Analysis & Enterprise Applications
Select a topic to dive deeper, then explore the specific findings from the research, rebuilt as interactive, enterprise-focused modules.
Increasing Strain on Midwifery Care
The study highlights a significant challenge within German maternity care: midwives are experiencing increasing strain, impacting their ability to provide comprehensive care. This mirrors broader trends in healthcare systems.
92.2%
of participants perceive increasing strain on maternity care in Germany.
This high percentage underscores an urgent need for solutions that alleviate pressure, such as efficient digital support systems that can streamline administrative tasks and improve care coordination.
Current Digital Tool Adoption & Midwife Competence
Despite the lack of validated solutions, midwives actively use digital tools in their professional environment. Their self-perceived digital competence is high, indicating readiness for advanced digital integration.
87.6%
of midwives use a variety of digital tools in their professional environment, often unvalidated solutions.
7.09/10
Self-perceived digital competence (NRS) among midwives.
The widespread informal adoption of digital tools, coupled with high digital competence, suggests a fertile ground for introducing certified and integrated digital health solutions. However, the prevalence of unvalidated solutions highlights a risk and a clear opportunity for official, secure platforms.
Midwives' Intention to Use Future Digital Technologies
Midwives show varying levels of awareness and intention-to-use for different digital health tools, with electronic patient records (ePA) having the highest acceptance, while emerging technologies like AI require more introduction.
| Technology | Awareness | Intention-to-Use (Likert M) | Intention-to-Use (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Patient Record (ePA) | 87.6% | 3.84 / 5.0 | 72.1% |
| Electronic Maternity Record (eMutterpass) | 58.9% | 3.71 / 5.0 | 67.4% |
| Telemonitoring (TM) | 50.4% | 3.57 / 5.0 | 51.2% |
| Artificial Intelligence (AI) | 49.6% | 3.17 / 5.0 | 38.8% |
This data indicates a readiness for established digital solutions like ePA, but also a need for more education and practical demonstrations for newer technologies like AI to increase their adoption rates.
Participatory Design in Digital Maternity Care Development
The study is the initial step in a structured Participatory Design (PD) process, which emphasizes involving users directly in the development and implementation of health technologies. This iterative approach ensures solutions meet real-world needs.
Enterprise Process Flow: Participatory Design for Digital Health
Phase 1: Needs Assessment
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Phase 2: Design & Development
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Phase 3: Testing & Retesting
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Phase 4: Clinical Evaluation
Adopting a PD methodology, as outlined, is crucial for developing digital maternity care models that are not only technologically advanced but also genuinely useful, acceptable, and sustainable for midwives and other stakeholders.
Calculate Your Digital Transformation ROI
Estimate the potential cost savings and efficiency gains your organization could realize by implementing AI-powered solutions in healthcare operations, based on the insights from this study.
Your AI Implementation Roadmap
Based on successful enterprise AI adoption, here’s a strategic roadmap to integrate digital solutions within your maternity care or similar healthcare settings.
Phase 1: Needs Assessment & Stakeholder Engagement
Conduct detailed interviews and surveys with midwives and other care providers to understand current challenges, workflows, and specific needs for digital tools. Prioritize areas where digital solutions can offer the most impactful support and gather requirements.
Phase 2: Pilot Design & Prototyping
Collaboratively design and prototype digital care models based on gathered insights. Focus on user-friendly interfaces, secure data exchange (e.g., ePA, eMutterpass integration), and functionalities that directly address midwife pain points, like telemonitoring.
Phase 3: Iterative Testing & Feedback Cycles
Implement pilot programs in controlled settings, gathering continuous feedback from participating midwives and patients. Use iterative testing to refine the digital tools, ensuring they are practical, effective, and seamlessly integrate into existing workflows before wider deployment.
Phase 4: Scaling & Continuous Improvement
Develop a strategy for widespread adoption, including training programs and ongoing support. Establish metrics to monitor the impact of digital solutions on efficiency, patient outcomes, and staff satisfaction. Continuously update and improve the system based on performance data and evolving needs.
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