INTRODUCTION Globally, evidence suggests that one-third of nulliparous women experience delay in the first stage of labor with an increased risk of poor maternal and neonatal outcomes. With this study, we explore how clinical challenges related to prolonged labor are perceived by nurse-midwives and doctors in Tanzania. METHODS A qualitative study with group interviews of either nurse-midwives (7 interviews) or doctors (2 interviews). A total of 37 respondents, among them 32 registered nursemidwives and 5 doctors participated, all with experience from labor wards. A qualitative content analysis was performed. The study setting comprised one zonal consultant university hospital and one regional referral hospital in Northern Tanzania. RESULTS Clinical challenges were expressed in relation to: 1) various ways of understanding prolonged labor, manifested by variations in expected duration of labor and the usage of different terms to describe prolonged labor; 2) assessing progress in labor, the partograph being described as an important tool but also a template defining a too narrow normal; 3) appropriate intervention at the appropriate time, the respondents reflect on the correct time for artificial rupture of membranes, oxytocin augmentation and cesarean section; 4) monitoring fetal heart rate, distrust in the monitoring equipment with experiences of surprisingly poor neonates; and 5) working as a team, where the perception of urgency varies and distrust is present. CONCLUSIONS Nurse-midwives and doctors in Tanzania face major challenges related to diagnosing prolonged labor, monitoring fetal heart rate and providing high quality health services as a team.
Background: Globally, some evidence suggests that up to one third of nulliparous women experience delay in the first stage of labour. Diagnosing prolonged labour is complicated by uncertainty related to the definition of both onset of labour and normal labour progression.Prolonged labour inhabits an increased risk of poor neonatal and maternal outcomes. To our knowledge, few studies have assessed the clinical challenges of prolonged labour from a health care professional perspective. In this study we aim to improve understanding of how clinical challenges related to prolonged labour are perceived by doctors and nurse-midwives in Tanzania. Methods: A qualitative study with group interviews of either doctors (2 interviews) or nurse-midwives (7 interviews). A qualitative content analysis was performed. The study setting comprised one zonal consultant university hospital and one regional referral hospital in Northern Tanzania. Results: A total of 37 respondents, among them 32 registered nurse-midwives and 5 doctors, all with experience from labour ward. Five categories emerged. Challenges were expressed in relation to 1) various ways of understanding prolonged labour, 2) assessing progress in labour, 3) monitoring foetal heart rate, 4) appropriate intervention at the appropriate time and 5) working as a team. Conclusions: The study provides a broader understanding of the clinical challenges encountered by nurse-midwives and doctors when managing prolonged labour. The grounds on which decisions are made, are somewhat inconsistent. The respondents request clear guidelines and frequent training.
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