Perspectives of women on the meaning of quality care during childbirth in hospital. A study based at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital

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. Study setting: The study was carried out in the postnatal section of Riley motherbaby hospital of Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret Kenya. Purpose: To explore and describe the perspectives of women on the meaning of quality care during childbirth in hospital. Methods: A qualitative method using exploratory descriptive design was applied. Indepth interviews were used in collecting data from 14 mothers who had hospital birth. The interviews were audio recorded and field notes taken. Data analysis 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. Results: 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. Recommendation: Individual perspectives of quality care for every mother in labour should be considered when providing care to meet the needs of the client.