Challenges in implementing continuous support during intrapartum care in public hospitals in the North West Province

Abstract

Continuous support during intrapartum is undeniably beneficial. It increases the mother's chance of giving spontaneous vaginal birth, which is not physically traumatic.This indicates the effectiveness of continuous support during intrapartum. According to a Cochrane review conducted such support has no identified adverse effects (Hodnett et al., 2009:2). It is important that implementation of continuous intrapartum support should be promoted by the midwives in order to improve the quality of care given to labouring women. The objective of the study is to explore and describe the challenges in implementing continuous intrapartum support in public hospitals in the North West Province. The findings of this study will contribute to the formulation of recommendations to promote continuous intrapartum support in public hospitals in the North West Province. Focus group interviews were conducted to collect data from 33 (thirty-three) registered midwives who have worked in labour rooms for 2 years or more who are able to give in-depth and rich expressions of opinion. The focus group interviews were conducted in a natural setting in the labour unit to avoid inconvenience. An explorative, descriptive and contextual qualitative approach using a non-experimental research design was used in order to reach the aim of the study, being to promote continuous support during intrapartum in public hospitals in the North West Province. The study revealed that midwives have an understanding of the benefits of continuous intrapartum support, but its implementation is hindered by challenges. Recommendations are made to inform the different stakeholders involved in curbing the challenges in order for the implementation of continuous intrapartum support to be a success. These recommendations are directed at the nursing practice, nursing (midwifery) education, nursing research and policy.