M.S. Maputle

Criteria to facilitate the implementation of woman-centred care in childbirth units of Limpopo Province, South Africa (Part 2)

BACKGROUND Facilitation of mutual participation, respectful and egalitarian relationship between the mother and the midwife during childbirth is a critical aspect. This article delineated the criteria that would facilitate the implementation of woman-centred care in childbirth units of the Limpopo Province in South Africa, following a concept analysis described in Part 1. Empirical referents or indicators were used to measure the concept woman-centred care and to validate its existence in reality. These empirical referents were referred to as measurable properties that further verified the concept. OBJECTIVE The objective of this article was to formulate criteria that would facilitate implementation of woman-centred care in childbirth units of Limpopo Province in South Africa. METHOD Criteria to facilitate the implementation of woman-centred care were formulated by the gathering of information about the topic under review and the use of resources to define the key elements of the criteria which were integrated into the Batho Pele principles. The criteria were then validated by selecting with a vested interest in the successful development and implementation of the criteria. RESULTS Criteria were formulated to facilitate the implementation of woman-centred care that was integrated within the framework of Batho Pele principles. CONCLUSION These formulated criteria for woman-centred care will be used as an institutional self-evaluation tool to enhance implementation of the Batho Pele principles in childbirth units. These criteria will give direction and provide guidelines for the performance of midwifery staff and will also help supervisors to guide staff to improve performance.

Support provided by midwives to women during labour in a public hospital, Limpopo Province, South Africa: a participant observation study

BackgroundPhysical presence during labour offer women opportunity of having positive childbirth experiences as well as childbirth outcomes. The study aimed to determine what support provided by midwives during intrapartum care at a public hospital in Limpopo Province. The study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Limpopo Province.MethodsA participant observation approach was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The population comprised of all women who were admitted with labour and for delivery and midwives who were providing midwifery care in the obstetric unit of a tertiary public hospital in Limpopo Province. Non-probability, purposive and convenience sampling were used to sample 24 women and 12 midwives. Data were collected through participant observations which included unstructured conversations with the use of observational guide, field notes of all events and conversations that occurred when women interact with midwives were recorded verbatim and a Visual Analog Scale to complement the observations. Data were analysed qualitatively but were presented in the tables and bar graphs.ResultsFive themes emerged as support provided by midwives during labour, namely; communication between women and midwives, informational support, emotional support activities, interpretation of the experienced labour pain and supportive care activities during labour.ConclusionThe communication between woman and midwife was occurring as part of midwifery care and very limited for empowering. The information sharing focused on the assistive actions rather than on the activities that would promote mothers’ participation. The emotional support activities indicated lack of respect and disregard cultural preferences and this contributed to inability to exercise choices in decision-making. The study recommended the implementation of Batho Pele principles in order to provide woman-centred care during labour.

Support of Professional Nurses Caring for HIV/AIDS Patients, Tshwane District of Gauteng Province, South Africa

Abstract Professional nurses providing care to patients diagnosed with AIDS related illnesses are identified as a risk group in terms of contracting HIV. They sometimes feel stressed when carrying out their basic tasks of promoting, preventing and maintaining the health of individuals, families and the public. The main objective of the research was to explore and describe the support provided by the hospital, nurse managers and co-workers to the professional nurses when providing AIDS care to patients. Qualitative explorative and descriptive designs were employed. The population comprised of all professional nurses and nurse managers working at the hospital caring for patients diagnosed with HIV/AIDS related illnesses. Ethical clearance was received from University of Venda*s ethical research committee. A non-probability purposive sampling method was used to determine the sample of the study. In-depth individual interviews were conducted using un-structured interview guide. Tesch*s open coding method of data analysis was used. The findings revealed that professional nurses received ineffective support from the organisation, nurse managers and co-workers when experiencing challenges related to AIDS care. The researcher recommended that further research on this study topic be conducted in other provinces of South Africa for consideration by the DOH.

Perceived Challenges Faced by Mothers of Pregnant Teenagers who are Attending a Particular School in Mopani District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract Teenage pregnancy is a global problem in both developed and underdeveloped countries. This is evidenced by the high rates of pregnant teenagers in South African schools. The study sought to explore the perceived challenges faced by mothers of pregnant teenagers who are attending a particular schools Mopani district. A qualitative explorative and descriptive approach was used. The population comprised of all mothers of pregnant teenagers who were waiting at the school gate. A non-probability, convenient sampling method was used to sample 11 participants. In-depth individual interview guided by one central question directed the interview which was: “what challenges do you experience as you are expected to wait at the school gate for your pregnant teenager?” Open coding method was used to analyse the data. Three themes emerged namely: Socio-economic implications to parents; Emotional implications to parents and to the pregnant learner. The study recommended that school should be provided with basics medical equipments to use should there be a need for delivery at the school. Teachers should be empowered on conduction of emergency delivery. Ethical and trustworthiness were ensured. It was concluded that mothers waiting at the gate for their pregnant teenagers are psychologically, socially and economically affected.