The 6th International and 7th National Midwifery Congress (EBKO 2023), hosted by the Turkish Midwifery Association, will take place from September 25 to 27, 2023, in Ankara, Turkey. Under the theme “Touching the Future,” this congress offers a comprehensive platform for midwives, researchers, and healthcare professionals to discuss cutting-edge practices, share research, and explore the evolving role of midwifery in modern healthcare. The event aims to address both national and international midwifery issues, with a focus on technological innovations, evidence-based practices, and crisis management, particularly in the context of natural disasters like the recent earthquake in Turkey. Visit ebko2023.org.
Midwifery in Turkey and Its Global Role
Midwifery plays a crucial role in maternal and newborn care across the globe. As key healthcare professionals, midwives are involved in providing support during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, focusing on both the physical and emotional well-being of women and their newborns. In Turkey, midwifery is not only a healthcare profession but also a deeply respected cultural tradition, integral to the well-being of families and communities.
However, the role of midwives has expanded beyond traditional childbirth assistance in recent years. As global health challenges increase, midwives have taken on more complex responsibilities, such as addressing public health issues, advocating for women’s reproductive rights, and responding to crises like natural disasters and pandemics. EBKO 2023 is a reflection of this shift, bringing together experts from various fields to address how midwifery can adapt to these changing healthcare landscapes.
Key Themes of EBKO 2023
1. Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Care
One of the most urgent topics at this year’s congress is disaster response and emergency care. Following the earthquake that struck Turkey in early 2023, healthcare services were put under extreme stress, especially for pregnant women and new mothers. The congress will examine how midwives can provide critical care in such situations, including emergency delivery, prenatal and postnatal care in crisis zones, and psychological support for trauma-affected families.
A panel discussion will focus on the importance of preparedness and training for midwives in disaster response. This is particularly crucial in regions prone to earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. In many cases, midwives are among the first responders, and their ability to offer immediate care in challenging conditions can significantly impact maternal and neonatal health outcomes. EBKO 2023 will explore these issues with the help of experts who have worked on the front lines during emergencies, sharing valuable insights and strategies for future crises.
2. Technological Innovation in Midwifery
Technological advancements are revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered, and midwifery is no exception. The integration of digital health tools such as telemedicine, mobile health applications, and wearable health technologies is providing midwives with new ways to monitor the health of mothers and babies, especially in remote areas where access to healthcare facilities is limited.
At EBKO 2023, one of the key discussions will revolve around how these technologies can be effectively utilized to improve maternal care. For example, telemedicine platforms can enable midwives to conduct virtual consultations with pregnant women, ensuring that they receive timely care even if they cannot visit a clinic in person. Wearable devices, like fetal heart monitors or blood pressure sensors, allow for continuous monitoring of maternal health during pregnancy, which can be crucial for early detection of complications.
In addition, workshops at the congress will showcase some of the latest technologies being developed specifically for midwifery, providing hands-on demonstrations for participants. These sessions will focus on how to integrate these tools into routine practice while maintaining the essential human touch that defines midwifery care.
3. Evidence-Based Practice and Research
Another major theme of EBKO 2023 is the promotion of evidence-based practice (EBP) in midwifery. EBP involves making clinical decisions based on the best available research, clinical expertise, and the preferences and values of the patient. This approach helps to ensure that the care provided by midwives is both effective and personalized.
Several sessions at the congress will highlight recent research findings in the field of midwifery, focusing on topics like the management of gestational diabetes, approaches to pain relief during labor, and strategies for improving breastfeeding support. These presentations will provide midwives with up-to-date information that they can apply directly to their clinical work, ultimately leading to better outcomes for mothers and babies.
Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to attend workshops on meta-analysis and research methods, helping them to develop the skills necessary to contribute to the growing body of knowledge in the field of midwifery.
4. Education and Training
As midwifery evolves, there is a growing need for modernized education and training programs that prepare future midwives to meet the demands of contemporary healthcare. EBKO 2023 will focus on the importance of updating curricula to include new skills, technologies, and approaches to care. Simulation-based training, for example, is becoming an increasingly popular way to teach midwives how to handle complex situations, such as shoulder dystocia or postpartum hemorrhage, in a safe and controlled environment.
In addition to traditional lectures, the congress will offer hands-on training sessions, where participants can practice these techniques under the supervision of experienced professionals. By incorporating these innovative teaching methods, educational institutions can ensure that the next generation of midwives is equipped to provide high-quality care in even the most challenging circumstances.
5. Midwifery Leadership and Advocacy
Beyond clinical care, midwives play an important role as advocates for women’s health and leaders in healthcare policy. EBKO 2023 will explore how midwives can leverage their expertise to influence policy decisions at the local, national, and international levels. Sessions on leadership and advocacy will cover topics such as improving access to prenatal care, promoting reproductive rights, and addressing social determinants of health.
Midwifery leadership is particularly important in shaping policies that affect maternal and newborn health. For example, midwives can advocate for better support for breastfeeding, more comprehensive prenatal care, and initiatives that address disparities in maternal mortality rates. By participating in policy discussions, midwives can help to ensure that the healthcare system better meets the needs of women and families.
Workshops and Special Courses
One of the highlights of EBKO 2023 is the variety of workshops and courses available to participants. These practical sessions offer midwives the opportunity to develop new skills, learn about emerging technologies, and practice critical techniques. Some of the courses on offer include shoulder dystocia management, a technique used when a baby’s shoulder becomes stuck during delivery, and meta-analysis methods, which teach participants how to analyze large datasets and apply research findings to clinical practice.
These workshops are designed to provide hands-on learning experiences, giving midwives the chance to practice skills in a supportive environment. Whether they are learning a new technique for managing complications during childbirth or gaining experience with a new technology, participants will leave the congress with practical tools they can immediately apply in their work.
Conclusion
The 6th International and 7th National Midwifery Congress is a vital event for midwives in Turkey and beyond. By focusing on topics like disaster preparedness, technological innovation, evidence-based practice, education, and leadership, the congress provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the profession today. Through panels, workshops, and hands-on courses, participants will gain the knowledge and skills they need to provide high-quality care and advocate for the health of women and newborns.
As midwifery continues to evolve in response to new healthcare challenges, events like EBKO 2023 are essential for fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and preparing midwives for the future. The congress serves not only as a platform for learning but also as a celebration of the vital role midwives play in shaping the future of maternal and newborn care.