A review has been launched to ensure midwives are ready and equipped with the digital skills and technologies to deliver care to women and families.

The Phillips Ives Nursing and Midwifery Review will ensure workforces are equipped with the appropriate digital technology and provide evidence of what challenges may be presented in the future.

The review will be addressing for questions to gather evidence on using digital technology in NHS services:

• How are technological and other developments likely to change the roles and functions of the nursing and midwifery workforce?
• What are the implications of the size, shape and skill of this workforce?
• What does this mean for selection, curricula, education, training, development and lifelong learning of the current and future nursing and midwifery workforce?
• What are the considerations for inclusion, equality and diversity?

The review, which is expected to take up to a year, will explore key themes such as workforce planning, artificial intelligence (AI), data science and emerging new technologies and opportunities.

Dr Natasha Phillips, who is leading the review and Chief Nursing Information Officer at NHS England, said: “Nurses and midwives are often the face of the NHS for the public, looking after patients and their families at the happiest times of their life, such as the birth of a child, and at some of the most difficult.

“As the NHS looks to the future and the increasing role played by digital and technology, it is important we ensure our nurses and midwives receive an education that will prepare them for the NHS of tomorrow.”

Findings from the review will assist with shaping the NHS’s digital strategy and ensure nurses and midwives are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to provide safe digital practices.

The review is being conducted by Health Education England (HEE) as part of its Digital Readiness Education Programme in partnership with NHS England.

Vice Chair of the review, Dr Jeanette Ives Erickson, added: “This is a focused review with four key principles that will influence the educational and care delivery systems for our future workforce, will inform strategy, enhance safety, and will embed efficiencies into systems of care delivery. A big and important initiative.”

More information about the Phillips Ives Nursing and Midwifery Review can be found here.