Exploring the Practice of Respectful Maternity Care among Midwives at the Labour Ward of aTertiary Hospital in Northern Ghana

Abstract

Background: Improving women's maternal health is critical to their overall health and well-being. A major care approach that has been shown to significantly enhance the quality of care given to mothers during labour is respectful maternity care (RMC). Every woman has the inherent right to a positive birth experience and compassionate care delivered by knowledgeable and skilled healthcare providers. Compassionate and respectful maternity care is intrinsically tied to the eradication of disrespect and abuse in the context of pregnancy and childbirth. AIM: This study examined midwives’ knowledge of respectful maternity care (RMC) and their implementation of care practices in consonance with RMC principles at the labour ward of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. Methods: A descriptive exploratory design was employed to conduct the study. Respondents were purposively sampled and interviewed using an interview guide to elicit their insights and reflections on the subject. A semi-structured interview guide was developed and used to gather data for the study. The data was analysed qualitatively using a thematic analysis approach. A non-probability sampling technique was employed; specifically, a purposive sampling technique was used. This research purposely sampled 15 midwives because data saturation will be achieved with this figure. Transcripts were exported into NVivo software and codes were generated based on common ideas that run throughout the transcripts. The codes were then grouped into themes and sub-themes according to their relationships. Results: There were significant knowledge gaps in the midwives’ understanding of RMC, as the study observed that they knew about only three of the seven components of RMC. However, RMC was implemented as an integral part of their practice, although some justified physical abuse as a last resort for forcing mothers to comply with instructions during the delivery process. The study also uncovered several barriers that militated against the midwives’ quest to provide quality and respectful maternity care to clients. Conclusion: The study calls on management of the facility and other relevant stakeholders to build the capacity of midwives in RMC practice, as well as enhance resource allocation to the unit to improve maternal care.