2023/12/18 by Hertle, Dagmar, Schumacher, Luisa, Schmitt, Nikolaus +2
#Digitalisierung #Evaluation #Hebammen #Medicine and health #Telemedizin #digital service #digitale Versorgung #digitalization #evaluation #midwifery #telemedicine
paper · doi:10.3205/zhwi000026
Background: To ensure midwifery care in times of Corona, digital midwifery services were enabled for the first time in Germany in March 2020. Objective: The aim of the survey was an initial evaluation of the newly introduced digital services from the perspective of the midwives and the mothers. Methods: In February and March 2021, a cross-sectional study with an online survey of midwives and mothers was conducted to record the scope of digital services provided, utilisation, level of satisfaction and potential of digital midwifery care in the pregnancy and postpartum care of women who gave birth between May and November 2020. Result: 1,821 mothers and 1,551 midwives provided feedback. Around one third of the mothers who responded had used digital midwifery services in pregnancy and/or the postpartum period and over 80% rated these services positively. Half of the midwives surveyed offered digital services and wished to continue this care option. However, not all services were considered equally suitable for digital implementation. From the respondents’ point of view, courses and counselling are very well suited, whereas postpartum care often requires the midwife’s presence. Mothers and midwives alike saw the advantages as being infection control, saving time and not needing to travel. Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic has become a catalyst for digitalisation in midwifery care. Digital services were quickly implemented by midwives and well accepted by women and can usefully complement the in-person care provided by midwives. The opportunity to utilise and further develop these service offers should be taken.