BACKGROUND:
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into midwifery care is an inevitable result of technological advancement in healthcare. According to previous studies, healthcare professionals understand the possibilities of using AI differently and have limited knowledge of how to use it in clinical practice. Knowledge about midwives’ perception of AI use is scarce.

OBJECTIVES:
This study aimed to describe Estonian midwives’ perceptions of AI use in healthcare.

METHODS:
A cross-sectional study was conducted in 2024 among midwives working in Estonia (n=56) using the Shinners Artificial Intelligence Perception (SHAIP) tool. Data were collected through convenience sampling and analyzed with descriptive statistics, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, and Spearman’s correlation.

RESULTS:
Midwives perceived that the use of AI would impact their professional role but were not prepared to use it. The availability of sufficient training in the use of profession-specific information systems was low. Most agreed that the use of AI will enhance population health outcomes, patient treatment and care. The results indicate that working experience, organisation type and the use of digital meetings and remote platforms outside work can affect midwives’ perceptions of the professional impact of AI and their preparedness to use it.

CONCLUSIONS:
The findings suggest that Estonian midwives are not prepared to use AI, confirming the results of previous studies among other healthcare professionals. This highlights the need for developing relevant training programs, both at foundational and advanced levels.

KEY MESSAGE:
Providing training and involving midwives in the development of new technologies will help to increase the preparedness for AI use. This will also enhance the interest and adaptability to use AI-based solutions in their work. Poster session 3 (Group B)