PURPOSE:
This presentation shares the strategic workforce forecast commissioned by the Austrian Midwifery Board (ÖHG) and Austrian Chamber of Labor (AK), conducted by the Austrian National Public Health Institute (GÖG). We share how this collaborative planning tool has been utilized for professional advocacy and policy development to strengthen Austria's midwifery profession.

DISCUSSION:
Our approach modeled midwifery workforce needs through 2032 using a dual-perspective methodology that considered both supply-side factors (retirements, new graduates) and demand-side factors (birth rates, policy changes). Beyond a baseline demographic scenario, we examined five additional scenarios addressing key professional concerns: regional care equity, increased postnatal care at home, expanded Mother-Child Health services, and implementation of evidence-based 1:1 care during labor. The forecast revealed Austria needs approximately 1,400 additional midwives by 2032 when all scenarios are considered, with the implementation of 1:1 care during active labor representing the most significant workforce requirement. While current educational capacity appears sufficient to meet this demand, the forecast highlights critical policy decisions needed regarding practice standards, working conditions, and contractual arrangements. The Austrian Midwifery Board has used these findings to advocate for improved working conditions, a greater number of midwifery study places, expanded scope of practice, and increased funding for midwifery services, demonstrating how workforce forecasting serves as an effective tool for professional advancement.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
The forecast draws on valid data from the Austrian Midwifery Registry, hospital statistics, insurance provider data, birth statistics, and educational institution reports. The methodology follows established health workforce planning frameworks developed by GÖG.

KEY MESSAGE:
Strategic workforce forecasting provides midwifery organizations with powerful evidence-based tools for professional advocacy, policy development, and educational planning, particularly when multiple potential futures are explored through scenario analysis rather than simple demographic projections. Poster session 3 (Group B)