Transition from independent midwifery care to Early Prevention Network Services in Germany - a cross-sectional survey

OBJECTIVE: Midwives in Germany offer various care options, including independent midwifery care funded by statutory health insurance and care in Early Prevention Networks with a family-centered focus. Consequently, independent midwives may transfer families who need additional care to Early Prevention Network Services, with possible implications for continuity of care. We aimed to determine the frequency of transitions of care, related communication, midwives’ knowledge and satisfaction, and reasons for not participating in transitions of care. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey among independent midwives in Germany was conducted. Potential participants were invited via midwifery organisations to complete an online questionnaire, with 292 participating. Data analysis was carried out using IBM SPSS 27 and Microsoft Excel. Thirteen characteristics of the care and carers were summarised using descriptive statistics and graphs. RESULTS: Less than half (n = 141; 49%) of the responding midwives reported at least one transition of care during the past 12 months. In this group, 36% (n = 86) answers stated that communication with early prevention occurred indirectly via the families. In the group without a transition of care (n = 150; 51%), the main reason for this absence was a lack of need by the families (n = 120; 63%). However, most midwives were satisfied or very satisfied with the collaboration (n = 109; 44%). CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a need for further research on strategies such as co-location to improve this collaboration, although they cannot be generalised. Continuity of care deserves attention when collaboratively caring for vulnerable families.