Mrs Hlatshwayo Ntandoyenkosi
BSc honours in Nursing science with MCH major in 2015
Title: Women’s views on the quality of care during the intrapartum period at a referral maternity hospital in Bulawayo Zimbabwe
Biography
Biography: Mrs Hlatshwayo Ntandoyenkosi
Abstract
The intrapartum period is a critical time in women’s lives and as they seek care, they expect quality services that ensure optimal outcomes for themselves and their babies. Childbirth is the time of greatest risk for maternal deaths; avoidable deaths and morbidity continue to occur and are in part attributed to poor quality care especially during the intrapartum period.(Hulton et al 2000) Women as consumers of intrapartum care play an important role in the assessment of the quality of care rendered during this period. Maternal mortality in Zimbabwe currently stands at 614 per 100 000 live births with 11-17% of maternal deaths occurring during labor and delivery ( Unicef 2015).Poor quality of care can contribute to poor uptake of maternity services leading to high rate of maternal and perinatal mortality and severe morbidity (Thaddeus and Maine 1994)
This study describes women’s views on the quality of intrapartum care received at a referral maternity hospital in Zimbabwe.A framework for the evaluation of care in maternity services by Hulton et al (2000) guided this study.
OBJECTIVES
} To determine women’s views on physical care during labor at the maternity hospital
} To explore women’s views on midwife- client relationships during labor
} To obtain women’s perceptions about the birthing environment
METHODOLOGY
Study conducted at a-referral maternity hospital in Zimbabwe=about 700 deliveries per month.Qualitative approach using the phenomenological design was used.Data obtained from a purposive sample of 10 women relating to their opinions experiences and perceptions of the care they received during the intrapartum period.In-depth interviews lasting 15-20minutes until saturation was reached.The women were selected on the basis of their willingness to participant in the study
RESULTS
Women interviewed had mixed experiences relating to the care they received during labor. Though care was perceived as generally good, some issues which seemed to compromise the quality of care emerged during the interviews. These included staff attitudes, information giving, poor communication, and relationships.
IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTISE
} The findings point out to the existing gaps in midwifery practice which need to be addressed to promote competency-based intrapartum care
} Study also forms a basis for further research on the quality of intrapartum care.
} In-service education for midwives is required to address issues of poor attitudes and midwife-client communication
} Educating women so that they are aware of their right to quality intrapartum care.