Midwives’ Perceptions Regarding the Use of the Cardiotocograph Machine as an Intrapartum Monitoring Tool in Namibia: A Qualitative Research Study

Abstract

Although, at the time of this study, the cardiotocograph machine was the acceptable monitoring tool to be used intrapartum, its appropriate use was a matter of concern for midwives globally. This article reports the findings of a qualitative study which investigated the perceptions of midwives, who were working in a labor ward in a public referral hospital in Namibia, regarding the use of the cardiotocograph machine. The objectives of the study included: to explore and describe the perceptions of midwives working in a labor ward in Namibia regarding the use of the cardiotocograph machine as a labor monitoring tool; and to explore and describe how midwives working in a labor ward in Namibia perceived informing women who were in labor about the use of the cardiotocograph machine as a labor monitoring tool. 
 
 The study site was a public referral hospital which offered services to the five northern regions of Namibia. The requisite data was collected using semi-structured, one-on-one interviews which were conducted with seventeen (17) purposively selected participants. The interviews were recorded on an audio device. The spiral method of data analysis was adopted. The study findings revealed that the participants had varying perceptions on the use of the cardiotocograph machine intrapartum and, as such, perceived its use as a challenge. It was concluded that midwives need to be empowered via refresher courses with regard to the use of cardiotocograph machine to ensure optimum results.