gms | German Medical Science

Background and Purpose: Optimal maternity care and research require that providers know of users’ needs in health care. However, in Germany there has as yet been no related comprehensive midwifery research. The study aimed at generating a database for a national research agenda. In this presentation women’s needs are addressed with regards to systemic aspects of midwifery/maternity care.

Methods: 50 pregnant women and mothers participated in 10 focus groups in five states of Germany. The focus groups were heterogeneous regarding age, parity, model of midwifery care, and satisfaction with care. In the sample, also women of lower educational levels and women in difficult life situations were included. The digitally recorded focus groups were cyclically analysed according to Gadamer’s hermeneutic method. Measures for quality assurance were implemented. The study was financed by the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Results: Three major themes were identified: (a) user information on midwifery care and lack thereof, (b) access to healthcare provision by midwives, (c) midwifery care as part of the health system. Study participants identified the lack of generally available information and the inconsistency of counselling in maternity care (a). Challenges arise in selecting a midwife, at transition points (b), in multiprofessional cooperation, and during latency phase (c). Women call for alternative models of care and promotion of family/peer support (c).

Conclusions: Improvements in the provision of midwifery care and in multiprofessional cooperation in maternity care are required. Women in difficult life situations need the special attention by maternity care professionals and midwifery researchers.