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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Navigating the spectrum of engaged care and exhaustion: The occupational well-being of Dutch midwives across clinical setting and career stages - A cross-sectional survey study
1
University Medical Center Groningen, Primary and Long-term Care, Groningen, Netherlands
2
Mc Master University, Faculty of Health Science- Midwifery Research Center, Hamilton- Ontario, Canada
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A564
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
ETHICS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
OBJECTIVES:
This study examines work engagement and burnout among Dutch midwives, identifying contributing factors.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 995 practicing midwives.
RESULTS:
Nearly 40% of midwives reported high work engagement. Community midwives experienced significantly lower client-related burnout than hospital midwives. Key drivers of engagement included the positive impact of work on personal life and a sense of hope. For community midwives, job variety and passion also played a role. Work-related and personal burnout were more frequently observed among community midwives aged over 40 with more than four years of professional experience, whereas personal burnout was more prevalent among hospital-based midwives aged over 30.Community midwives faced additional stressors, including emotional burdens, demands of regional collaboration, and challenges related to work-life balance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Work engagement among Dutch midwives is high, with low levels of client-related burnout. However, age and experience increase the risk of burnout, particularly among community midwives who balance multiple responsibilities. Tailored strategies—such as promoting hope, supporting work-life balance, and fostering adaptable work environments—are crucial for reducing burnout and enhancing retention.
KEY MESSAGE:
Maternity care systems must evolve to offer flexible working conditions that align with midwives’ needs at different career stages.
ETHICS AND CONFLICT OF INTEREST
OBJECTIVES:
This study examines work engagement and burnout among Dutch midwives, identifying contributing factors.
METHODS:
A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 995 practicing midwives.
RESULTS:
Nearly 40% of midwives reported high work engagement. Community midwives experienced significantly lower client-related burnout than hospital midwives. Key drivers of engagement included the positive impact of work on personal life and a sense of hope. For community midwives, job variety and passion also played a role. Work-related and personal burnout were more frequently observed among community midwives aged over 40 with more than four years of professional experience, whereas personal burnout was more prevalent among hospital-based midwives aged over 30.Community midwives faced additional stressors, including emotional burdens, demands of regional collaboration, and challenges related to work-life balance.
CONCLUSIONS:
Work engagement among Dutch midwives is high, with low levels of client-related burnout. However, age and experience increase the risk of burnout, particularly among community midwives who balance multiple responsibilities. Tailored strategies—such as promoting hope, supporting work-life balance, and fostering adaptable work environments—are crucial for reducing burnout and enhancing retention.
KEY MESSAGE:
Maternity care systems must evolve to offer flexible working conditions that align with midwives’ needs at different career stages.
FUNDING
The study was exempt from WMO requirements by the Medical Research Ethics Committee of the University Medical Centre Groningen (Ref: 2023/252). No external funding was received. The abstract is original and not previously published or presented. The first author plans to attend the congress in person.
Poster session 2 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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