Abstract:
Introduction: Women have different perspectives of the meaning of quality care during childbirth
in hospital. Women will tend to avoid hospital birth if the care provided does not meet these
perspectives. The researcher sought to determine what women consider quality care during
childbirth in the hospital.
Methods: A qualitative method using exploratory descriptive design was applied. The study was
carried out in the postnatal section of Riley mother-baby hospital of Moi Teaching and Referral
Hospital, Eldoret Kenya. In-depth interviews were used in collecting data from 14 mothers who had
hospital birth. The interviews were audio recorded and field notes taken. Audio recorded data was
transcribed into Ms Word. Analytic triangulation was done using NVIVO 8 software and Tesch’s
method of qualitative analysis. The interviews were read; emerging ideas were identified, and then
grouped into subthemes, which were further categorized to generate themes.
Findings: Presence of caregiver, less frequent examinations, promptness, warmth, pain relief,
cleanliness and nutritional care emerged as subthemes and were categorized under the theme of
caring. Information and positive relationship emerged as themes that define quality. Clear
instructions and frequent information on progress of labour emerged as subthemes defining
information as a theme. Attention to individual needs, understanding the mother and a friendly
attitude of the care provider emerged as subthemes that were further categorized under the theme of
positive relationship.
Conclusion: Quality care during childbirth in hospital is determined by the caring aspects,
information given to the mothers and the degree of positive relationship between the caregiver and
the mother.
Clinical Relevance: Individual perspectives of quality care for every mother in labour should be
considered when providing care to meet the needs of the client.
