gms | German Medical Science

Background: In 2014, the ICM for the first time called on all midwives to take an active role in climate protection emphasizing the potential of midwives to positively influence societal sustainability-related transformation in its position paper “Impact of Climate Change”. The prevailing climate crisis necessitates the implementation of both mitigation and adaptation measures to address changing climatic conditions, thereby affording novel domains of action and responsibilities for midwives. To be able to address these areas of action, expanded competencies and knowledge are required. The Lancet Policy Brief for Germany also called for the integration of climate change and health/Planetary Health in every healthcare professional curriculum and further education in 2019. However, there are currently few structured and comprehensive continuing education offers for midwives in this field in Germany.

Aim: To consolidate and deepen new knowledge and competencies related to climate change and its consequences, a module needs to be developed that can be integrated into bachelor’s degree programs, master’s programs, and scientific further education.

Methods: Formulation of the required competencies based on the competencies defined in the German Midwifery Law and the ICM Essential Competencies for Midwifery Practice. Analysis of the framework conditions for a module that can be used across universities. Systematic development of the learning content and methodological considerations for teaching and exam structures.

Results: Presentation of a flexibly applicable module with self-learning elements over one semester with 10 European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) points, which comprises three superordinate teaching and learning units: Foundations of Planetary Health, Consequences of Climate Change for the Professional Field of Midwifery, and Climate-Sensitive Health Counseling.

Relevancy: The climate crisis requires engagement at both the individual and societal levels, as well as at the professional level. To meet these demands, the development of a curricular module that can be completed by as many midwives (to be) as possible is one of the necessary steps.

Conclusion: Through the implementation of the curricular module into existing bachelor’s degree programs and master´s degree courses as well offering the module as a continuing education program for midwives, midwifery students und midwives will gain a clear understanding of the connection between planetary health, climate change, and midwifery work. This will enable them to effectively integrate these topics into their everyday work, contributing both to environmental sustainability and the health of women and families. In perspective, the development of a certificate becomes desirable. The integration into the curricula also provides the opportunity for the development of research fields and foci that further explore the potential of midwife-led care and continuity of care in the reproductive phase with regard to climate protection and gender equality.

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.

The PDF file of the poster submitted for the meeting is available in German as Attachment 1 [Attach. 1].