The utilization of the partograph by midwives in Lebowakgomo and Zebediela level 1 hospitals in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction and aim: Globally it is of paramount importance that all pregnant women in labour are monitored by midwives utilizing a partograph so that a live baby is delivered. Midwives seemed not to utilize the partograph correctly when monitoring women in labour. The purpose of this study was to determine the utilization of the partograph by midwives in the labour wards of Lebowakgomo and Zebediela level 1 hospitals in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province, South Africa. The research question was, “What skills and knowledge do midwives have on the utilization of the partograph for monitoring pregnant women in labour”. The objectives of this study were to explore and describe the utilization of the partograph by midwives in Lebowakgomo and Zebediela level 1 hospitals in the Capricorn District of the Limpopo Province, and to develop guidelines that would assist midwives to effectively utilize the partograph hence provision of quality midwifery care. Research Design and method: The research design was qualitative, descriptive, explorative and contextual in nature. The population comprised all midwives registered with the South African Nursing Council and practicing as such in Lebowakgomo and Zebediela level 1 hospitals. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 participants. Data were collected using semi-structured in–depth interviews with a guide. The semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted until data were saturated. Trustworthiness was ensured by credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. Ethical clearance to conduct the study was obtained from the University of Limpopo and from the Department Health and Social Development. The principles of informed consent, confidentiality and anonymity were observed during the study. Data were analyzed using the Tesch’s approach as described by Creswell (1994) cited in de Vos (2005:333). Conclusions: The following themes emerged during data analysis: monitoring of foetal status during intrapartum, monitoring of the progress of labour during intrapartum, monitoring of the maternal status during intrapartum, and shortage of staff in the labour wards. Guidelines which aimed at improving midwifery care were formulated.