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Digital maternity care in Germany: a cross-sectional web-based survey on midwives' perceptions
Sebastian Griewing1,2,3,4, Pia Teske5, Johannes Wichmann6
1Institute for Digital Medicine, Department of Medicine, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany. s.griewing@uni-marburg.de.
Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics
|January 20, 2026
Summary
German midwives face increasing strain in maternity care. They are open to digital tools but need certified, sustainable digital models that incorporate their perspectives for improved pregnancy care.
Area of Science:
- Healthcare System Innovation
- Digital Health
- Midwifery Practice
Background:
- Maternity care is a critical healthcare component, primarily delivered by midwives.
- Germany's healthcare system faces cost pressures and demands for efficiency, particularly in pregnancy care.
- Existing digitally supported maternity care models are lacking, neglecting midwives' perspectives.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess midwives' needs for developing a digitally supported maternity care model.
- To explore midwives' perceptions of their work, digital tool usage, and digital pregnancy care.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, web-based questionnaire was employed.
- The study targeted midwives in Germany.
- It assessed perceptions of the current work situation, digital tool use, and digital pregnancy care.
Main Results:
- 92.2% of midwives report increasing strain in maternity care.
- 87.6% use various informal digital tools, despite high self-perceived digital competence.
- Intention to use digital tools varies, with electronic patient records being most favored and AI least.
Conclusions:
- Midwives demonstrate openness to digital solutions and actively use informal digital tools.
- There is a clear need for certified, sustainable digital maternity care models.
- Integrating midwives' perspectives is crucial for developing effective digital health solutions in maternity care.
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