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Confidence in Action: Exploring Self-Perceived Emergency Preparedness and Training Frequency Among Austrian Midwives
Nathalie Lang1, Reinhold Stockenhuber1, Jens C Schwindt1,2
1STAR-SIMCharacters Training and Research, Vienna, Austria.
Introduction:
Midwives are often among the first responders in unexpected emergency situations in the delivery room. Their preparedness for unanticipated complications during birth is crucial for patient safety. This survey assessed Austrian midwives' training schedules, self-assessed preparedness for obstetric emergencies (OE) and neonatal resuscitation (NR), and their suggestions for improving education in these areas.
Methods:
A structured online survey comprising 34 questions was distributed to all Austrian midwives through the registry of the Austrian Board of Midwives. The responses were analyzed, focusing on those actively involved in perinatal care.
Results:
A total of 330 responses were analyzed. Most of the respondents (n = 265) were actively engaged in perinatal care. Half of the active midwives did not feel well-prepared (50% for OE; 43% for NR). Fewer than one-third (31%) participated in OE training sessions at least once per year, and half (57%) attended NR training at least annually. Most respondents expressed a desire for more frequent and mandatory perinatal training. The training curricula aligned with the common emergencies encountered by the survey population, and two-thirds of all training sessions were interdisciplinary.
Discussion:
Only half of the midwives in the survey population felt well-prepared for emergency situations. The data showed that emergency preparedness is associated with training frequency in the survey population. More than 90% of midwives found simulation training beneficial, and their preference for mandatory training likely reflects a need for better access to such programs. Apart from potential time and budget constraints, a lack of institutional support-particularly from higher hierarchical positions-was identified as a key barrier to more frequent training. Increasing access and institutional support for regular emergency training could significantly improve preparedness among midwives, who are often the first responders in perinatal emergencies.
