DESCRIPTION OF TOPIC:
This project addresses the rising attrition of primary care midwives in the Netherlands, particularly in the ’s-Hertogenbosch region, where the outflow exceeds the inflow of midwives. The aim was to explore how a regional midwifery cooperation could actively support sustainable employability by improving work-life balance and job satisfaction. A Design-Based Learning (DBL) methodology guided the project through four phases: Discover, Define, Ideate, and Prototype. Needs and challenges were identified via stakeholder interviews, desk research, and the development of personas and customer journeys representing early-career and experienced midwives. These insights revealed that a disrupted work-life balance, administrative burden, and unstable working conditions are key drivers of attrition. The most promising solution was the creation of a regional locum pool supported by a digital platform. The MidMatch app that connects practices and freelance midwives. The app allows self-scheduling of shifts, transparent agreements, and reduced coordination stress for both practice owners and locums. This model fosters autonomy, regional cohesion, and professional continuity, particularly for young midwives seeking flexibility and stability. The project was co-developed with local midwives and stakeholders through voluntary participation. No personal health data were collected. There are no conflicts of interest to declare.

RELEVANCE TO MIDWIFERY:
The sustainability of the midwifery workforce is under pressure worldwide. This initiative addresses that challenge by offering a replicable, bottom-up model that integrates digital technology, regional collaboration, and local ownership. MidMatch, a regionally embedded scheduling app, empowers midwives to shape their work-life balance and fosters stronger professional networks. By centering midwives’ needs in system design, this project delivers practical, scalable tools to improve retention, promote flexible working conditions, and support midwife-led continuity of care. This strengthens the profession and ensures access to high-quality, sustainable care. It offers an example of how innovation and collective leadership can build a future-ready midwifery workforce. Education - clinical skills (+Three-minute presentation competition)