The other side of caring: abuse in a South African maternity ward

Abuse in South African maternity settings is a disgrace: Potential solutions to the problem

“…[11] This may contribute to the development of common mental disorders among staff themselves, which in turn may further exacerbate their disengagement from or abuse of their patients. [22] The dysfunctional relationship between healthcare worker and patient can be exaggerated by the vulnerability of being in labour [7,23] and the fact that for a range of reasons many women in the SA setting have no birthing companion. [6,[24][25][26] Solutions: Global and national initiatives to address abuse of women in labour…”

“…Studies in maternity facilities have documented staff rudeness, arbitrary acts of unkindness, clinical neglect, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, physical assault and sexual violence. [6][7][8] Studies in community-based maternity care facilities found that many women express expectations of being 'shouted at, beaten or neglected' . [6] The context of maternity services in SA Healthcare workers' working environments are influenced by physical, social and psychological factors that result in a range of occupational stressors [9,10] and affect the staff-patient relationship and the quality of care provided.…”

Challenges in implementing continuous support during childbirth in selected public hospitals in the North West Province of South Africa

“…Disrespect and abuse in maternity care are attracting much attention: both globally (Bohren et al 2015;Bowser & Hill 2010) and in South Africa (Jewkes & Penn-Kekana 2015;Kruger & Schoombee 2010). Bad attitudes of health care providers could be considered to be a type of disrespect and abuse.…”

Pathways to Inhumane Care: Masculinity and Violence in a South African Emergency Unit.

“…Others suggest the importance of symbolic and relational factors, including system values, providers' personal values, emotions, and beliefs (Gaede, Mahlobo, Shabalala, Moloi, & van Deventer, 2006) and social norms (Lucas & Stevenson, 2005). Kruger and Schoombee (2010) argue that abuse of birthing women by nurses is related to power and control. And Jewkes and Penn-Kekana (2015) suggest that professionals who treat women badly in maternity services tend to be those who are themselves poorly paid, disempowered, and subject to abuse.…”

“…In South Africa, routinely abusive practices continue to be reported within its public sector facilities. Incidents of abuse include lack of interest, empathy, and respect; failure to provide patients with important information; as well as verbal violence, neglect, and denial of care (Chadwick, 2014;Chadwick, Cooper, & Harries, 2014;Coetzee, 2013;Crush & Tawodzera, 2014;Goudge, Gilson, Russell, Gumede, & Mills, 2009;Joyner, Shefer, & Smit, 2014;Keikelame & Swartz, 2016;Kilian, 2013;Kruger & Schoombee, 2010;Lewin & Green, 2009;Mthembu, Essack, & Strode, 2011;Vivian, Naidu, Keikelame, & Irlam, 2011).…”