Challenges experienced by midwives regarding the management of obstetric emergencies at a public hospital in Bojanala District, North West Province

Abstract

Background: Obstetric emergencies are life threatening emergencies that require midwives to have adequate knowledge, skills, resources and support from the management team. The lack in one or more of these components subjects midwives to a lot of stress, reducing their productivity and in turn results in subpar patient care. Aim of the study: The study aimed to investigate the challenges experienced by midwives in managing obstetric emergencies at a public hospital in Bojanala District, North West Province. Objectives: The study's objectives explored and described the challenges midwives experience regarding managing obstetric emergencies at a public hospital in Bojanala district, North West province. Methodology: Exploratory and descriptive research designs were used in this qualitative study. The study employed a non-probability purposive and convenient sampling technique tochoose a sample of midwives employed in the maternity hospital. The study was conducted at Moses Kotane Hospital (MKH). Pilot study was conducted to pretest the research method applied in the main study with a total of 6(six) participants at a Community Health Centre (CHC) in Mogwase. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were used to gather data, and an interview guide was used. The data saturation was reached with a total of 13 (thirteen) participants. Tesch's open coding method was used to examine the data and themes, and sub-themes were created with the independent coder's approval. The study included procedures to guarantee credibility, reliability, conformability, transferability, and trustworthiness. The study was conducted with adherence to all ethical guidelines. Findings: Six topics and twenty-one sub-themes arose from the investigation. The study documented midwives' experiences managing obstetric cases, as well as the challenges they faced in relation to lack of resources, nursing care, management, and the consequences of these challenges. Recommendations were also made to enhance midwives’ ways of managing obstetric emergencies in public hospital. Conclusions and recommendations: Midwives in the selected public hospital encounter challenges with the management of obstetric emergencies leading to poor quality patient care. The study recommends the provision of adequate human and material resources, skill improvement through continuous in-service training, effective EMS, and adequate infrastructure