Digital maternity care in Germany: a cross-sectional web-based survey on midwives’ perceptions

Abstract

Purpose: Maternity care is a central component of any healthcare system and is largely provided by midwives. Considering increasing cost pressures and growing demand for efficiency within the German healthcare system, the development of efficient, digitally supported care models are both encouraged and actively promoted, especially in pregnancy. However, to date, no such model has been sustainably established in the field of maternity care. In particular, the perspectives of midwives have largely been neglected. Methods: As part of an initial needs assessment for the Participatory Design of a digitally supported maternity care model, this study uses a cross-sectional web-based questionnaire to explore midwives’ perceptions of their current work situation, use of digital tools and digital pregnancy care. Results: 92.2% of participants (n = 129) perceive increasing strain on maternity care in Germany (5-point Likert; M = 4.49, SD = ± 0.69). 87.6% use a variety of digital tools in their professional environment, yet unvalidated and unauthorized solutions. Self-perceived digital competence is high (10-point NRS; 7.09 ± 1.48). The intention to use the technology decreases in parallel with the level of awareness, being highest for the electronic patient record (5-point Likert; 72.1%; 3.84 ± 0.97) and lowest for artificial intelligence (38.8%; 3.17 ± 1.05). Conclusion: The study highlights midwives’ openness to digital solutions, their active, though informal, use of such tools, and emphasizes the need to integrate their perspectives into the development of certified, sustainable digital care models in maternity care within an increasingly strained healthcare system.