The 6th International and 7th National Midwifery Congress (EBKO 2023), organized by the Turkish Midwifery Association, will be held in Ankara, Turkey, from September 25 to 27, 2023. This congress is set to be a landmark event for midwives and healthcare professionals across Turkey and around the world. With the theme “Touching the Future,” EBKO 2023 aims to explore cutting-edge developments in midwifery, promote best practices, and advance the education and leadership of midwives in the evolving healthcare landscape.
The congress, which takes place biennially, is designed as a platform for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and professional development. Through a series of panel discussions, workshops, and lectures, attendees will address some of the most pressing issues in midwifery today, including emergency care in disaster situations, technological advancements in maternal and neonatal care, evidence-based practice, and midwifery leadership in public health. Visit ebko2023.org.
The Role of Midwives in a Changing World
Midwives have always been at the forefront of maternal healthcare, but their role has expanded in recent years to meet the growing challenges of a rapidly changing world. In many countries, including Turkey, midwives not only assist with childbirth but also play a crucial role in prenatal and postnatal care, breastfeeding support, family planning, and women’s health education.
As healthcare systems evolve to meet new demands, midwives are increasingly involved in public health initiatives, policy advocacy, and emergency response. The COVID-19 pandemic and recent natural disasters, such as the 2023 earthquake in Turkey, have further highlighted the essential role of midwives in providing care in crisis situations. EBKO 2023 will explore these developments, offering midwives the tools they need to continue providing high-quality care in both routine and emergency situations.
Key Themes and Topics of EBKO 2023
1. Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Response
The recent earthquake in Turkey has underscored the importance of disaster preparedness in healthcare. In such emergencies, pregnant women and newborns are among the most vulnerable populations, and midwives are often on the front lines, providing crucial care despite difficult circumstances. EBKO 2023 will focus on the role of midwives in disaster response, exploring how they can deliver essential services in times of crisis.
Special panels and workshops will address topics such as emergency obstetric care, mental health support for trauma survivors, and strategies for ensuring safe deliveries in disaster zones. This focus on disaster preparedness is particularly relevant given Turkey’s geographic vulnerability to earthquakes and other natural disasters. The congress will equip midwives with the skills and knowledge they need to respond effectively when disaster strikes.
2. Technological Advancements in Maternal and Neonatal Care
In recent years, technological innovation has transformed many aspects of healthcare, and midwifery is no exception. From telemedicine and remote patient monitoring to mobile health applications and wearable technologies, new tools are helping midwives deliver care more efficiently and effectively. EBKO 2023 will showcase some of these advancements, with a particular focus on how they can be applied to maternal and neonatal care.
One key area of discussion will be the use of telemedicine to reach women in rural or underserved areas. In many parts of Turkey and the world, access to healthcare facilities can be limited by geography, and telemedicine offers a way to bridge this gap. By using digital platforms, midwives can provide prenatal consultations, monitor the health of expectant mothers, and offer postpartum support without requiring the patient to travel long distances.
Additionally, wearable technologies like fetal heart monitors or blood pressure sensors allow for continuous monitoring of maternal and fetal health, providing real-time data that can help prevent complications. Workshops and demonstrations at EBKO 2023 will give participants the chance to see these technologies in action and learn how to incorporate them into their practice.
3. Evidence-Based Practice in Midwifery
As healthcare becomes more data-driven, evidence-based practice (EBP) has become a cornerstone of midwifery. EBP involves using the best available research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to make informed decisions about care. This approach ensures that midwives can provide safe, effective, and personalized care for each patient.
At EBKO 2023, several sessions will focus on the importance of EBP in midwifery, with presentations on the latest research in maternal and neonatal care. Topics will include the management of common pregnancy complications, such as gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, as well as strategies for improving breastfeeding support and promoting mental health during the postpartum period.
The congress will also include workshops on research methods and meta-analysis, helping midwives learn how to critically evaluate scientific literature and apply research findings to their clinical work. By promoting EBP, EBKO 2023 aims to ensure that midwives are equipped with the knowledge they need to provide the highest standard of care.
4. Midwifery Education and Professional Development
Midwifery is a profession that requires continuous learning and adaptation, particularly as new technologies, research, and practices emerge. EBKO 2023 will place a strong emphasis on education and professional development, offering a variety of courses and workshops designed to enhance the skills of midwives at all stages of their careers.
Simulation-based learning will be a key focus, with sessions that allow participants to practice handling complex clinical situations, such as shoulder dystocia or postpartum hemorrhage. These simulations provide a safe environment for midwives to develop their skills and receive feedback from experienced instructors.
In addition to clinical skills, the congress will offer sessions on leadership, communication, and advocacy, helping midwives take on more active roles in shaping healthcare policy and improving maternal health outcomes at the community, national, and international levels.
5. Midwifery Leadership and Policy Advocacy
Midwives are not only healthcare providers but also advocates for women’s health and leaders in their communities. EBKO 2023 will explore the role of midwives in shaping public health policy, with a focus on issues such as access to reproductive health services, maternal mortality, and health disparities.
In particular, the congress will highlight the importance of midwifery leadership in addressing the social determinants of health, which play a significant role in maternal and neonatal outcomes. By advocating for policies that address poverty, education, and access to healthcare, midwives can help reduce health disparities and improve outcomes for women and their families.
Sessions on policy advocacy will cover strategies for engaging with policymakers, building partnerships with other healthcare professionals, and leading public health initiatives. By empowering midwives to take on leadership roles, EBKO 2023 aims to promote a more equitable and effective healthcare system.
Workshops and Special Courses
One of the most exciting aspects of EBKO 2023 is the range of hands-on workshops and special courses available to participants. These sessions will provide midwives with the opportunity to develop practical skills, learn about new technologies, and deepen their understanding of key issues in maternal and neonatal care.
Some of the workshops will focus on critical techniques like shoulder dystocia management and neonatal resuscitation, while others will explore the use of telemedicine, mobile health apps, and wearable technology in midwifery practice. By offering these practical learning opportunities, the congress ensures that midwives can apply what they learn directly to their work, improving care for mothers and babies in their communities.
Conclusion
The 6th International and 7th National Midwifery Congress promises to be a groundbreaking event for the midwifery community. By focusing on key themes like disaster preparedness, technological innovation, evidence-based practice, and professional development, EBKO 2023 offers a comprehensive look at the future of midwifery and the evolving role of midwives in global healthcare.
As the healthcare landscape continues to change, midwives will play an increasingly vital role in improving maternal and neonatal outcomes, promoting public health, and advocating for women’s rights. EBKO 2023 is an essential opportunity for midwives to come together, share knowledge, and prepare for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. By attending the congress, participants will be better equipped to touch the future of midwifery and make a lasting impact on the health of women and families worldwide.