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In the future, learning will be essentially characterized by the ability to regulate the learning process and monitor success independently from a teacher. The technical possibilities offer better access to learning contents, precise and more individualized feedback, and learning phases adapted precisely to the needs of the learner in terms of scope and pace. In this study, we investigate an important aspect of the digitization of teaching/learning processes using the example of laboratory scripts for chemistry students at university. The focus is on looking up terms and concepts in preparation for the lab internships, firstly in a paper-based glossary and secondly in a digital glossary. During a two-day study, a total of 16 students prepared for experiments on two topics with completely identical materials. We then studied the influence of content knowledge, motivation, and cognitive load. While all students show significant learning achievements, there are no significant differences between the groups. Furthermore, results show that pure digitization of information has no effect, despite the theoretically assumed advantages.

The way medical students learn anatomy is constantly evolving. Nowadays, technologies such as tablets support established learning methods like drawing. In this study, the effect of drawing on a tablet on medical students' anatomy learning was investigated compared to drawing or summarizing on paper. The quality of drawings or summaries was assessed as a measure of the quality of strategy implementation. Learning outcome was measured with an anatomy test, both immediately afterward and after 4-6 weeks to assess its sustainability. There were no significant group differences in learning outcome at both measurement points. For all groups, there was a significant medium strength correlation between the quality of the drawings or summaries and the learning outcome (p < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that the quality of strategy implementation moderated outcomes in the delayed test: When poorly implemented, drawing on a tablet (M = 48.81) was associated with lower learning outcome than drawing on paper (M = 58.95); The latter (M = 58.89) was related to higher learning outcome than writing summaries (M = 45.59). In case of high-quality strategy implementation, drawing on a tablet (M = 60.98) outperformed drawing on paper (M = 52.67), which in turn was outperformed by writing summaries (M = 62.62). To conclude, drawing on a tablet serves as a viable alternative to paper-based methods for learning anatomy if students can make adequate use of this strategy. Future research needs to identify how to support student drawing, for instance, by offering scaffolds with adaptive feedback to enhance learning.

Progress monitoring of academic achievement is an essential element to prevent learning disorders. A prominent approach is curriculum-based measurement (CBM). Various studies have documented positive effects of CBM on students' achievement. Nevertheless, the use of CBM is associated with additional work for teachers. The use of tablets may be of help here. Yet, although many advantages of computer- or tablet-based assessments are being discussed in the literature (e. g. innovative item formats, adaptive testing, automated scoring and feedback), there are still concerns regarding the comparability of different assessment modes (paper-pencil vs. tablet). In the study presented, we analyze the CBM data of 98 fourth graders. They processed the exact same computation items once with paper and pen and once in a tablet application. The analyses point to comparable results in the test modes, although some significant deviations can be found at item level. In addition, the children report perceived benefits when working with the tablet.

The German school system employs centrally organized performance assessments (some of which are called "VERA") as a way of promoting lesson development. In recent years, several German federal states introduced a computer-based performance testing system which will replace the paper-pencil testing system in the future. Scores from computer-based testing are required to be equivalent to paper-pencil testing scores so that the new testing medium does not lead to disadvantages for students. Therefore, the current study aimed at investigating the size of the mode effect and the moderating impact of students' gender, academic achievement and mainly spoken language in everyday life. In addition, the variance of the mode effect across tasks was investigated. The study was conducted in four German federal states in 2019 using a field experimental design. The test scores of 5140 eighth-graders from 165 schools in the subject German were analysed. The results of multi-level modelling revealed that students' test scores in the computerized version of the VERA test were significantly lower than in the paper-pencil version. Students with a lower academic achievement were more disadvantaged by the VERA computerized test. The results were inconsistent regarding the interactions between testing mode and students' gender and mainly spoken language in everyday life. The variance of the mode effect across tasks was high. Research into different subjects and in other federal states and countries under different testing conditions might yield further evidence about the generalizability of these results.

Objective: Currently, there is an intensive discussion on advancing and expanding outpatient rhinosurgical procedures. Many questions about how to stratify into out- and inpatient procedures are still not sufficiently clarified. Particularly, the use of nasal packing materials is not adequately discussed., Material and Methods: Development of a checklist to stratify sinunasal procedures into in- or outpatient procedures with consideration of current scientific literature and risk factors., Results and Conclusions: After comprehensive assessment of the literature and analysis of specific risk factors, a list of sinunasal procedures is presented, which should be performed as inpatient procedures. We present a checklist for in- and outpatient sinunasal procedures, which considers social, medical and surgical factors as well as the use of nasal packing materials. Furthermore, a checklist is added to assess, whether patients are ready for discharge after a planned outpatient procedure., Competing Interests: Rainer Weber: Empfang von Honoraren oder Beratungsgebühren: GSK, Hommel Pharma, Infectopharm, KARL STORZ, Sanofi-Aventis, Sidroga, Spiggle & Theis, Stryker Bernhard Olzowy: Vortragshonorare für Radiofrequenzchirurgiekurse seitens der Fa. Neuwirth Medical Products, die selbstauflösende Chitosantamponaden (PosisepX) vertreibt. Frank Haubner: Honorare für Vorträge bei folgenden Firmen: Brainlab, Spiggle&Theis, RG Ärzteberatung, Neuwirth Robert Böscke: Reisekosten, Vortragshonorare: Sanofi, GSK Achim Beule: Vorträge für AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Happersberger otopront, Medtronic, Novartis, Sanofi Aventis, Xion; Beratertätigkeit für AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Medtronic, Novartis, Sanofi Aventis, Durchführung von wissenschaftlichen Studien an der Uniklinik Münster für Allakos, AstraZeneca, BioMed Elements/EU, Bristol Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, Happersberger otopront/AiF,Sanofi Aventis, Winicker Norimed; insgesamt aber keine Tätigkeiten mit Schwerpunkt „Nasentamponaden“ oder mit Bezug zu dieser Publikation Thomas Kühnel: Glaxo Smith Kline: Advisory Board; Karl Storz Endoskope: bezahlte Tätigkeit bei Operationskursen; Sanofi: Advisory Board (Einladung), Vortragstätigkeit; Dt. Fachgesellschaft für HNO-Heilkunde, Kopf- und Halschirurgie; Dt. Fachgesellschaft für Schädelbasischirurgie, (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Vitiligo is a common disorder characterized by the visible loss of skin pigmentation. Non-segmental vitiligo (NSV) is the major subtype. The disease is caused by autoimmune-mediated destruction of melanocytes. Vitiligo leads to stigmatization and a significant reduction in quality of life. Disregarding the psychosocial burden, vitiligo is sometimes viewed solely as a cosmetic problem and, according to a global survey, is diagnosed on average only after 2.4 years. This delay contributes to a considerable burden of disease, including suicidal ideation. Stigmatization promotes the development of psychological comorbidities such as anxiety and depressive disorders, with prevalence rates varying by country and study (0.1%-67.9%). Data for Germany are heterogeneous and largely based on estimates. Due to psychosocial factors, the inflammatory component, and a higher incidence of somatic comorbidities, NSV may be regarded as an inflammatory systemic disease. We recommend optimizing care by incorporating the assessment of quality of life as a standard in routine care, in addition to monitoring disease activity. Moreover, early screening for psychological comorbidities is crucial to initiate appropriate treatment before the condition becomes chronic and cumulative (irreversible) impairments occur. The goal is a personalized and patient-centered integrated care approach that sustainably improves the health status of those affected., (© 2024 The Author(s). Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH on behalf of Deutsche Dermatologische Gesellschaft.)

Inquiry-based learning (IBL) is a type of problem-based learning. While IBL aims at reflecting the work of practicing researchers, only some students will pursue an academic career. We therefore designed a course that provides opportunities for IBL by applying participant observation to internship work experience inside and outside academia. Using this internship course as an example, we investigated, how master's students in health science executed an IBL assignment regarding the application of participant observation and presentation of findings. In addition, the understanding of occupational fields provided through the IBL assignment was examined.To determine whether learning objectives were met, a document analysis of IBL assignments comprising presentation slides and field protocols was performed. Within content analysis, a category grid was used examining (a) suitability of chosen research objectives, (b) execution of field protocols, (c) sufficiency of reporting and (d) extent of reflection.49 IBL assignments from the years 2020-2022 were included. Sides of IBL observations were: (a) organizations providing health care (n = 28); (b) administrations of health care (n = 8); and (c) research institutes (n = 13). Within students' field protocols, the level of detail of descriptions differed. 30 assignments included reflection on the methods used and research experience. In about a third of IBL assignments, indication of observation type, theoretical background and data analysis was missing.Using participant observation of internship work-experience for IBL can serve as a teaching tool for students to develop methodological skills. For future courses, we developed a checklist to strengthen reporting, reflection and use of theory. As internships are often integrated in degree programs in health sciences similar courses could be implemented in different programs, given qualified methodological guidance., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Both tobacco cessation and low-dose CT screening in at-risk individuals reduce lung cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. As part of a national screening program for the early detection of lung cancer, smoking cessation must be a mandatory part of the counseling given to participants. This increases the cost-benefit effectiveness of the screening program. As part of the initial consultation evidence-based measures for smoking cessation must be offered to smoking participants of the screening program in form of a minimal intervention. If participants do not want to participate in a quit smoking measure they must actively refuse (opt-out rule). The costs of quitting smoking, including the costs of withdrawal-inhibiting medication, have to be fully covered by statutory health insurance for participants in the lung cancer screening program., Competing Interests: Alexander Rupp ist Berater der Firma Sanero Medical GmbH Stuttgart, die eine Internetplattform und eine digitale Gesundheitsanwendung (DiGA) zur Tabakentwöhnung betreibt.Christa Rustler ist Leiterin des Büros des Deutschen Netz rauchfreier Krankenhäuser und Gesundheitseinrichtungen (DNRfK), welches zur Implementierung des „rauchfrei tickets“ Zuwendungen der Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) erhält.Die anderen Autoren geben an, dass kein Interessenkonflikt besteht., (Thieme. All rights reserved.)

Background: Recent analyses have shown that in health services research in Germany, healthcare organisations are often considered primarily as a study setting, without fully taking their complex organisational nature into account, neither theoretically nor methodologically. Therefore, an initiative was launched to analyse the state of Organisational Health Services Research (OHSR) in Germany and to develop a strategic framework and road map to guide future efforts in the field. This paper summarizes positions that have been jointly developed by consulting experts from the interdisciplinary and international scientific community., Methods: In July 2023, a scoping workshop over the course of three days was held with 32 (inter)national experts from different research fields centred around OHSR topics using interactive workshop methods. Participants discussed their perspectives on OHSR, analysed current challenges in OHSR in Germany and developed key positions for the field's development., Results: The seven agreed-upon key positions addressed conceptual and strategic aspects. There was consensus that the field required the development of a research agenda that can guide future efforts. On a conceptual level, the need to address challenges in terms of interdisciplinarity, terminology, organisation(s) as research subjects, international comparative research and utilisation of organisational theory was recognized. On a strategic level, requirements with regard to teaching, promotion of interdisciplinary and international collaboration, suitable funding opportunities and participatory research were identified., Conclusions: This position paper seeks to serve as a framework to support further development of OHSR in Germany and as a guide for researchers and funding organisations on how to move OHSR forward. Some of the challenges discussed for German OHSR are equally present in other countries. Thus, this position paper can be used to initiate fruitful discussions in other countries., Competing Interests: LA ist Vorstandsmitglied der DGMS und des DNVF. Sie ist Mitglied des Editorial Boards des Journal of Health Care Services and Implementation. JB erhält Fördermittel für mehrere OVF-Projekte in Australien und Europa. ME ist Vorsitzender der Society for Studies in Organizing Healthcare (SHOC). Die Arbeit des Instituts für Arbeitsmedizin, Sozialmedizin und Versorgungsforschung, Universitätsklinikum Tübingen, wird durch einen zweckungebundenen Zuschuss des Arbeitgeberverbands der Metall- und Elektroindustrie Baden-Württemberg (Südwestmetall) unterstützt. Die übrigen Autor*innen erklären, dass keine Interessenkonflikte bestehen., (The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial-License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commercial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).)

Background and Objective: Despite the proven effectiveness of organized PSA-based screening in reducing prostate cancer-related mortality, there is currently no program in Germany covered by statutory health insurance. In accordance with the EU Council Decision (2022/0290(NLE)), the German Society of Urology (DGU) has developed a concept for risk-adapted prostate cancer early detection., Materials and Methods: Based on a literature review of current screening studies, an algorithm for PSA-based prostate cancer early detection was developed., Results: Risk-adapted prostate cancer screening involves PSA testing in the age group of 45-70 years, followed by PSA-based individual risk stratification and stepwise expansion of diagnostics through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to biopsy. While initially up to 2.6 million men will undergo PSA testing, a reduction in these initial examinations to fewer than 200,000 men per year will occur from year four onwards., Conclusions: The presented algorithm provides clear recommendations for risk-adapted PSA-based early detection for prostate cancer for urologists and patients. The goal is to improve diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer, while reducing overdiagnosis and overtreatment., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

This essay explores the material imperatives of nineteenth-century statistical ambition, at a time when the nature of paper itself underwent rapid change. It expands the concept of paper technologies to include knowledge about the materials themselves, as well as the infrastructures, techniques, and agreements that made it possible for the right kind of paper to be made available for particular purposes. Taking the production of the forms for the Prussian census as a case in point, it argues that the enumeration effort of Prussian census statisticians went far beyond designing a form, collecting information, noting and compiling figures, or creating tables. Paper knowledge to define and control the material substance of the forms mattered as much as political impetus and statistical methods in getting the census right. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article addresses the striking resemblance of a late nineteenth-century obstetrical simulator to contemporary commercial paper dolls. This period is often characterised in histories of medicine as one of increasing institutionalisation and professionalisation of childbirth through hospital training and state regulation. But this narrative is only part of the story. It marginalises the perspective of patients and midwives, and those outside of the geographic 'West', and it silences aspects of medical culture: social and caring relationships, emotion, play, and humour. While these aspects of medical history are less well represented in textual sources, material objects like Shibata Kōichi's 'Obstetrical Pocket-Phantoms' can help to give a fuller picture. Beginning by situating Shibata's phantoms in the conventional histories of obstetric training and the intermedial spaces of the clinic and lecture theatre, I then ask how the phantoms might have been used and understood differently outside of these spaces. Using Robin Bernstein's concept of 'scriptive things', I employ a visual and material study of the objects, informed by the wider cultural contexts of dolls and popular print culture in Germany, the USA and Japan, to argue for a history of Shibata's phantoms as paper dolls that encouraged many forms of play: from learning and explorative, to mothering and caring, to humorous and subversive. By acknowledging that Shibata's phantoms would also have been recognised as paper dolls, I present a history that centres unrecorded aspects of, and under-studied agents in, medical culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paper-based visual analogue scale (VAS) items were developed 100 years ago. Although they gained great popularity in clinical and medical research for assessing pain, they have been scarcely applied in other areas of psychological research for several decades. However, since the beginning of digitization, VAS have attracted growing interest among researchers for carrying out computerized and paper-based data assessments. In the present study, we investigated the research question "Which different design characteristics of paper-based VAS items are preferred by women and men?" Based on a sample of 115 participants (68 female), our results revealed that the respondents preferred a paper-based VAS item with a horizontal, 8-cm long, 3 DTP ("desktop publishing point") wide, black line, with flat line endpoints, and the ascending numerical anchors "0" and "10", both for women and men. Although we did not identify any gender difference in these characteristics, our findings uncovered clear preferences on how to design paper-based VAS items.

Up to the publication of the results of Germany's first participation in the PISA study in 2001, there had been no national educational standards in Germany's 16 federal states. In the aftermath of the discussions about the disappointing outcomes, Germany's federal states decided to develop national standards, yet focusing on "core subjects" and leaving geography disregarded. Consequently, the DGfG, which is the governing body of all professional geography associations in Germany, agreed on solving the problem on its own and published its own Educational Standards in Geography in 2006. Even though there have been countless efforts to foster the implementation of these widely-accepted, yet without legislative validation, standards we do not know exactly to what extent they have been implemented in the particular German federal states. The study presented here addresses this research gap bifid: Firstly, a research tool designed to analyze the paper implementation (i.e., putting into place new policies and procedures with the adoption of an innovation as the rationale for the policies and procedures, Fixsen et al., 2005, p. 6) of standards in curricula is introduced. Secondly, the results of a thorough examination of all curricula valid for the grammar schools in Germany are presented and discussed. As it becomes obvious, the Educational Standards have become increasingly implemented within the past years despite a lack of support by the legislations of the 16 federal states. However, there are some gaps that remain to be closed in order to ensure a complete, entirely successful paper implementation, ranging from particular areas of competence within the curricula in some states that have not adopted standards based geography instruction.

Background: Surgical further training faces the challenging task of reconciling technological advancements and patient safety, particularly in the context of the planned hospital reform. Additionally, the generation shift and evolving expectations of Generations Y and Z in the workplace present further challenges. In response to these demands, the Berlin-Brandenburg Surgical Society (Berlin-Brandenburgische Chirurgische Gesellschaft, BCG) initiated a structured discussion and developed a position paper during the Neuhardenberg talks (Neuhardenberger Gespräche)., Methodology: Within the framework of the Neuhardenberg talks, four sessions with keynote presentations and discussions took place. Based on the main discussion points, theses and positions were subsequently formulated and digitally voted on., Results: The results reveal a clear consensus favoring flexible working hours models, earlier specialization options and the integration of external rotations in surgical further training. Regarding talent acquisition and early recruitment of residents, there was a clear consensus supporting the promotion of employee engagement and structured early recruitment of students. There was unanimous agreement on the introduction of training associations as an effective means to ensure high-quality surgical further training., Discussion: One of the central points in the discussions was that high-quality surgical further training will only be achievable within training associations, especially given the impending hospital reform. The BCG plans to develop a modular further training association to make surgical further training in Berlin/Brandenburg fit for the future., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The Bündnis Junger Ärztinnen und Ärzte (BJÄ, Alliance of Young Physicians in Germany) has presented a position paper (PP) on Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) against the background of an unfolding hospital reform in Germany, and they describe existing deficits of PGME in Germany. Based on this, demands were made of legislators, employers and medical associations which could result in a sweeping reformation of PGME. Hospital reforms can only be accomplished with well trained and motivated physicians. In this respect the BJÄ regards the reform of hospitals and the health-care system as a chance for a reform of PGME, which is long overdue. Legislative competence for PGME lies with the States of the Federal Republic of Germany and this warrants an adjustment of state medical association laws to accommodate the demands of the BJÄ. Generally PGME must be taken into consideration in all health-care legislation, in analogy to the meanwhile globally adopted principle of "Health in all Politics (HiAP)". The BJÄ has made every endeavour to produce this PP. The responsible stakeholders and actors in the health-care system would be well-advised to take the position paper seriously with a dwindling physician work force in hospitals and serious quality deficits in PGME. Hence, the BJÄ must be comprehensively supported. They need congenial partners to define the scientific foundation of all their demands, to test their application under real life conditions in hospital and outpatient care, to pursue research on the impact on patient care and on the intended transformation of the health-care system. This might best be accomplished by partnering with a scientific Association for Postgraduate Medical Education as has been the case in many countries for decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even now the further training in surgery faces considerable challenges. The planned hospital structural reform will result in new bureaucratic and organizational hurdles, which could lead to a considerable loss of quality in advanced surgical training across all disciplines. Objective: The aim of this position paper is to describe the current and future challenges for advanced surgical training and to identify possible approaches and opportunities for the further development against the background of the planned hospital structural reform. Material and methods: For the development of this position paper a committee of representatives of the Young Forums of the German surgical societies identified and critically discussed current problems and challenges of the present residency training system and formulated a list of demands for a sustainable residency training concept. Results: The planned shift to outpatient treatment and centralization were identified as central challenges for surgical residency training. Surgical training must be considered consistently and from the outset in all political reform efforts. In addition to a transparent and cost-appropriate financing of residency training, we call for the involvement of all German surgical societies in the reform process. Furthermore, the social framework conditions for junior surgeons should be considered. Conclusion: The structural change in the hospital landscape in Germany, which is being forced by politicians, harbors the risk of a further loss of quality and experience in surgical treatment and training. At the same time, the planned hospital reform offers a unique opportunity to address existing problems and challenges in surgical training and to consider them as a starting point for structural changes which are fit for the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Even now the further training in surgery faces considerable challenges. The planned hospital structural reform will result in new bureaucratic and organizational hurdles, which could lead to a considerable loss of quality in advanced surgical training across all disciplines., Objective: The aim of this position paper is to describe the current and future challenges for advanced surgical training and to identify possible approaches and opportunities for the further development against the background of the planned hospital structural reform., Material and Methods: For the development of this position paper a committee of representatives of the Young Forums of the German surgical societies identified and critically discussed current problems and challenges of the present residency training system and formulated a list of demands for a sustainable residency training concept., Results: The planned shift to outpatient treatment and centralization were identified as central challenges for surgical residency training. Surgical training must be considered consistently and from the outset in all political reform efforts. In addition to a transparent and cost-appropriate financing of residency training, we call for the involvement of all German surgical societies in the reform process. Furthermore, the social framework conditions for junior surgeons should be considered., Conclusion: The structural change in the hospital landscape in Germany, which is being forced by politicians, harbors the risk of a further loss of quality and experience in surgical treatment and training. At the same time, the planned hospital reform offers a unique opportunity to address existing problems and challenges in surgical training and to consider them as a starting point for structural changes which are fit for the future., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

The current situation in Germany is characterised by significant differences between the two types of higher education institutions offering bachelor's degree programmes in midwifery at both universities of applied sciences and universities. These differences are noticeable in admission procedures, resource allocation, content focus and competence assessment at the respective institutions, which in turn result in heterogeneous study experiences. This article highlights the challenges currently facing bachelor degree programmes and the academic qualification of midwives, and identifies future requirements for the development of degree programmes in theory and practice as well as theory-practice transfer, and assessment formats. Furthermore, this article covers the content-related and structural-organisational requirements to develop in-depth academic skills grounded in theory teaching, the facilitation of clinical placements at an academic level, the training of qualified practical instructors and the development of applicable competence-based assessment formats, especially for the state exam. The development of a standardised, high-quality academic education for midwives in Germany requires networking of the different academic sites/locations to exchange experiences in teaching/learning and assessment formats. Furthermore, it can facilitate the development of a standardised competence-oriented model and core curriculum as well as the definition of quality criteria and standards for study programmes of midwifery science. The Midwifery Science Committee (AHW) in the DACH Assoviation for Medical Education (GMA) offers an optimal platform for cooperation between the different universities. The existing challenges for the further professional development of midwives can only be overcome by collaboration and pooled expertise., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Plappert et al.)

The objective of academic training is to prepare midwives as independent healthcare professionals to make a substantial contribution to the healthcare of women in their reproductive years as well as to the health of their children and families. This article therefore describes the professional and educational requirements derived from the legal midwifery competencies within the new midwifery act. Furthermore, it identifies the conditions that need to be established to enable midwives in Germany to practise to their full scope in compliance with statutory responsibilities. Educational science, academic efforts, policymaking and accompanying research should work in synergy. This in turn enables midwives to achieve the maximum scope of their skills, with the objective of promoting physiological pregnancies and births. Consequently, it can strengthen early parenthood in alignment with the national health objectives of "health around childbirth". The academisation of the midwifery profession presents a profound opportunity for professional development in Germany. It is essential that midwives receive training based on the principles of educational science and care structures that are yet to be developed. This can enable them to perform within the wide range of their professional tasks to the highest standards, thereby ensuring the optimal care of their clients. Moreover, there is a chance to implement sustainable improvements in healthcare provision for women and their families during the reproductive phase and the period of parenthood in Germany., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 Striebich et al.)

The Maternity Protection Act is intended to protect the mother and the child from hazards, excessive demands and damage to health in the workplace, and from financial disadvantages and loss of employment. However, the objectives defined by the Maternity Protection Act-the safety and health of the pregnant employee on the one hand and the prevention of disadvantages in working life on the other-are not yet adequately achieved in the intensive care unit (ICU). Implementation of the Maternity Protection Act to the benefit of all involved parties should also be promoted in the specialist areas represented by the DIVI, in particular the work of pregnant physicians and nursing staff and other working specialists (respiratory therapists, physiotherapists, speech therapists, psychotherapists, and social workers) in the ICU. The aim of this paper is to raise awareness of the need to consider each pregnant and breastfeeding staff member individually and to work together to find a personal solution for continuing to work in the ICU. Possible ways and solutions to achieve this goal are outlined and practical examples are given for implementation in everyday clinical routine. These are also based on comprehensive presentation of activities according to a traffic light color-code system for all occupational groups. Arguments against pregnant employees working in the ICU are discussed and possible solutions are presented., (© 2024. The Author(s).)