The 6th International and 7th National Midwifery Congress (EBKO 2023), set to take place from September 25 to 27, 2023, in Ankara, Turkey, stands as a significant event for midwifery professionals, students, and researchers. With its theme, “Touching the Future,” the congress emphasizes the pivotal role of midwives in modern healthcare, especially as new challenges and opportunities emerge in maternal and newborn care. This article will delve into the importance of this congress, its main themes, and how it reflects the evolving landscape of midwifery in Turkey and around the world. Visit ebko2023.org.
Context and Importance of EBKO 2023
The biennial EBKO congress serves as a critical platform for the exchange of ideas, research findings, and best practices in midwifery. Organized by the Turkish Midwifery Association, it aims to foster collaboration among professionals while advancing the midwifery profession in both clinical and academic realms. Midwives are central to the delivery of healthcare for women and newborns, particularly in terms of prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal care. As healthcare systems worldwide evolve to address new challenges—such as aging populations, rising rates of chronic diseases, and ongoing health disparities—the role of midwives has expanded to encompass a wider range of skills and responsibilities.
The EBKO 2023 congress reflects this expansion by covering an array of topics, including innovations in midwifery education, evidence-based practices, disaster response, and emergency care. These themes underscore the growing importance of midwives in areas beyond traditional childbirth support, such as public health initiatives, policy advocacy, and disaster relief efforts.
Key Themes and Sessions of EBKO 2023
1. Disaster Response and Emergency Care
One of the most pressing themes in this year’s congress is the focus on emergency response and disaster management. The devastating earthquake that struck Turkey earlier in 2023 has led to a heightened awareness of the need for well-prepared healthcare services in times of crisis. Midwives often play a crucial role in disaster response, ensuring that pregnant women receive adequate care despite the destruction of medical infrastructure.
At EBKO 2023, special panels will address the challenges faced during emergencies, focusing on the unique vulnerabilities of pregnant women and newborns in disaster zones. This includes not only immediate medical interventions but also psychological support and long-term care strategies. The congress provides an opportunity for midwives and other healthcare professionals to share lessons learned from disaster response efforts, with a particular emphasis on improving preparedness and resilience in future crises.
2. Technological Advancements in Midwifery
The use of technology in healthcare has grown exponentially in recent years, and midwifery is no exception. From telemedicine to wearable health monitors, technological innovations are changing the way care is delivered. At EBKO 2023, participants will discuss the potential of digital tools to improve maternal and neonatal outcomes, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
One session will focus on the use of telehealth to provide prenatal care in rural communities, where access to healthcare facilities can be limited. By connecting midwives with pregnant women via digital platforms, telemedicine offers a solution to geographical barriers, ensuring that women receive the necessary care throughout their pregnancies. Additionally, wearable technology that monitors fetal health or tracks labor progress is being explored as a means to enhance both safety and efficiency during childbirth.
3. Innovations in Education and Training
Another key theme of EBKO 2023 is the modernization of midwifery education. As the demands on midwives continue to increase, there is a growing need for innovative training methods that equip future professionals with the skills they need to succeed in complex healthcare environments. Simulation-based learning, for example, is gaining traction as an effective way to teach midwives how to handle emergencies like shoulder dystocia or postpartum hemorrhage.
Workshops and hands-on courses at the congress will allow participants to practice these life-saving techniques in controlled environments, where they can receive immediate feedback from experienced instructors. By incorporating these educational innovations into midwifery curricula, educational institutions can ensure that new midwives are well-prepared for the challenges they will face in clinical practice.
4. Evidence-Based Practice
The push towards evidence-based practice (EBP) is another cornerstone of EBKO 2023. EBP involves integrating the best available research with clinical expertise and patient values to make informed decisions about care. In midwifery, this means using scientific evidence to guide interventions during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care, while also considering the preferences and needs of women and their families.
Throughout the congress, several sessions will highlight the latest research in midwifery, with presentations on topics like the management of gestational diabetes, breastfeeding support, and the use of pain relief techniques during labor. These discussions aim to bridge the gap between research and practice, helping midwives stay up-to-date with the latest findings and apply them in their daily work.
5. Midwifery Leadership and Policy Advocacy
Midwives are not only caregivers but also advocates for women’s health and leaders in shaping healthcare policy. The congress will explore how midwives can leverage their expertise to influence public health policy, particularly in areas related to maternal and neonatal care. This includes advocating for better access to prenatal services, pushing for policies that support breastfeeding, and addressing social determinants of health that contribute to disparities in maternal outcomes.
As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, midwifery leadership will be crucial in ensuring that policies reflect the needs of women and their families. At EBKO 2023, experienced professionals will share strategies for effective advocacy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with other healthcare providers, government agencies, and community organizations.
Hands-On Workshops and Courses
In addition to plenary sessions and panel discussions, EBKO 2023 will offer several hands-on workshops that give participants the chance to develop practical skills. Courses on shoulder dystocia management and meta-analysis methods, for instance, will provide midwives with the opportunity to practice key techniques and learn how to apply research findings to their clinical work.
These workshops are designed to complement the theoretical knowledge gained during the congress, ensuring that midwives return to their practices with both the skills and the confidence to implement new approaches.
Conclusion
The 6th International and 7th National Midwifery Congress promises to be a landmark event for midwives and healthcare professionals in Turkey and beyond. By focusing on future-oriented themes like disaster preparedness, technological advancements, evidence-based practice, and midwifery education, the congress reflects the growing complexity of the midwifery profession. It offers a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences, and learn from experts in the field, ultimately contributing to the advancement of maternal and newborn care.
As midwifery continues to evolve in response to new challenges and opportunities, events like EBKO 2023 play a crucial role in shaping the future of the profession. By attending this congress, midwives will be better equipped to provide high-quality care, advocate for women’s health, and lead the way in addressing the healthcare needs of future generations.