BACKGROUND:
The number of Dutch clinical midwives has increased substantially over the last 20 years, but their tasks, responsibilities, and formal positions remain unclear. It is also unclear what their own perspectives on this are.

OBJECTIVES:
To gain insight into Dutch clinical midwives views regarding their future tasks and responsibilities and the necessary conditions to achieve these.

METHODS:
Cross-sectional national survey study. A questionnaire was sent to 810 clinical midwives working in 78 hospitals. The questions for this study focused on future development of their profession, tasks, responsibilities, and necessary conditions to achieve this. Answers were analysed thematically using Atlas-Ti.

RESULTS:
261 midwives (32%) responded to the questions relevant for this study. We received a response from at least one midwife in 76 hospitals (97%). We identified the following themes: future tasks and responsibilities, future position, and conditions. Respondents stated that the future clinical midwife should work more independently and should function as an intermediary within the obstetric team and between primary care and hospital care. Knowledge and skills should continue to focus on the physiology of frequently occurring medical issues, such as meconium-stained fluid and prolonged first-stage of labor. Future tasks and responsibilities should include scientific research or being equipped for instrumental deliveries. The unclear position of clinical midwives, with a lack of (formal) recognition within the Dutch care system, should be changed and collaboration with obstetricians and primary care midwives should be improved.

CONCLUSIONS:
Future clinical midwives could function as intermediaries between disciplines, with a larger degree of independence and focus on physiology and supporting women with frequently occurring medical issues. A national legal framework, uniform task description, registration, and education are needed.

KEY MESSAGE:
Regulation and formalization of the position of clinical midwives in the Netherlands is urgent. Their current tasks, responsibilities and future perspectives femphasize this. I intend to participate physically at the congress. Poster session 3 (Group B)