gms | German Medical Science

Background: In recent years, digitalisation has rapidly entered almost all areas of life, including the care of women in the reproductive phase. This trend is set to intensify. In this context, teaching content on digitalisation in midwifery studies is becoming increasingly important. By including it in the curriculum, students can be familiarised with the latest technological developments in order to expand their professional health literacy and be prepared for the opportunities and challenges of digital health care.

Aim/research question: The aim of the teaching concept is to prepare midwifery students for the digital care of women and young families with specialised knowledge and content for the acquisition of competences. In developing this, the question should be answered which contents are relevant for the teaching of midwifery students in order to be able to adequately meet the dynamic requirements in care through future-oriented professional training.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant topics of digitalisation for the fields of activity of midwives in Germany. The search included studies, official regulations and laws from Germany. The included literature was carefully assessed for relevance, quality and timeliness. In addition, informal knowledge from the “Digitisation” working group from the DGHWi was taken into account in the design. The literature was regularly updated to take into account current developments in the field of digitisation.

Results: Form contents for the concept are (1) digital basics, so that students acquire basic knowledge about digitalisation processes and technologies, (2) society, data protection and ethics, and (3) the practical application of digital technologies and case studies, e.g. for telemedicine, to design adequate care scenarios. The teaching concept is structured in such a way that it can be continuously updated to reflect the dynamically developing digital health landscape. This enables students to stay up-to-date with the latest technology and best practices.

Relevancy: The teaching of digital competences can contribute to a sustainable increase in the quality of midwifery care in Germany, as (student) midwives can consciously choose deployment scenarios while weighing up the advantages and disadvantages and are prepared for the opportunities and challenges of digital care.

Recommendations/conclusion: The present concept underlines the essential importance of integrating teaching content on digitalisation in midwifery studies. In view of the unstoppable progress of digital technologies in health care, it is recommended that midwifery students have sound knowledge and practical experience in dealing with digital solutions in order to be able to use modern technologies effectively when needed.

Ethics and conflicts of interest: A vote on ethics was not necessary. The research was financed by own resources. There are no conflicts of interest.