Midwifery Practice and Education in Antwerp: Forecasting Its Future With Scenario Planning

Bleijenbergh, Roxanne; Mestdagh, Eveline; Kuipers, Yvonne J.

Abstract

Background: Midwifery across the world is facing changes and uncertainties. By recognizing plausible future options, a contemporary and strategic scope of midwifery practice and education can be established. The city of Antwerp, Belgium, was the indicative case for this study. Key drivers were identified to serve as input for scenarios.

Method: Structuration theory and intuitive logics scenario planning methods were used to structure contextual midwifery scenarios.

Results: Six certain and six uncertain variables were identified. A two dimensional framework showed these factors: (a) maternity care services and organization and (b) the society of childbearing women and their families. Three scenarios described the plausible future of midwifery: (a) midwife-led care monitoring maternal health needs, (b) midwife-led holistic care, and (c) midwife/general practitioner–led integrated maternity care.

Conclusion: All of the scenarios show the direction of change with a strategic focus, the importance of midwifery authenticity, and digital adaptability in maternity services. Also, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic cannot be ignored in future midwifery

Citation

Bleijenbergh, R., Mestdagh, E., & Kuipers, Y. J. (2022). Midwifery Practice and Education in Antwerp: Forecasting Its Future With Scenario Planning. Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing, 53(1), 21-29. https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20211210-07

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Aug 30, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jan 1, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Deposit Date: Jan 10, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 2, 2023
• Journal: The Journal of Continuing Education in Nursing
• Print ISSN: 0022-0124
• Publisher: Slack
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 53
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 21-29
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3928/00220124-20211210-07
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2833148