The Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Midwifery Education: A Scoping Review

Abstract

As in other healthcare professions, artificial intelligence will influence midwifery education. To prepare midwifes for a future where AI plays a significant role in healthcare, educational requirements need to be adapted. This scoping review aims to outline the current state of research regarding the impact of AI on midwifery education. The review follows the framework of Arksey and O’Malley and the PRISMA-ScR. Two databases (Academic Search Premier and PubMed) were searched for different search strings, following defined inclusion criteria, and six articles were included. The results indicate that midwifery practice and education is faced with several challenges as well as opportunities when integrating AI. All articles see the urgent need to implement AI technologies into midwifery education for midwives to actively participate in AI initiatives and research. Midwifery educators need to be trained and supported to use and teach AI technologies in midwifery. In conclusion, the integration of AI in midwifery education is still at an early stage. There is a need for multidisciplinary research. The analysed literature indicates that midwifery curricula should integrate AI at different levels for graduates to be prepared for their future in healthcare.