Dilemmas and paradoxes in providing and changing antenatal care: A study of nurses and midwives in rural Zimbabwe
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Date
2005
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
Oxford University Press
Abstract
This paper describes the experiences of caregivers in a rural district in Zimbabwe, in caring for
pregnant women within a context of changing antenatal care routines. Data were generated using
individual interviews with 18 nurses and midwives.
The caregivers experienced their working situation as stressful and frustrating due to high staff
turnover, inconsistent policies, parallel programmes and limited resources, including time. They also
faced difficulties when implementing some of the proposed changes. Furthermore, the caregivers had
to deal with the pressure and resistance from the pregnant women, whose reasoning and rationale
for using care appeared different from those of the health professionals.
In light of the above, we stress the necessity for reflecting on and including the experiences and
perspectives of caregivers and the users of care, as well as their contexts and realities, when
implementing change.
Description
Keywords
Antenatal care, Midwifery, Evidence-based care, Maternal health, Zimbabwe
Citation
Mathole, T. et al. (2005). Dilemmas and paradoxes in providing and changing antenatal care: A study of nurses and midwives in rural Zimbabwe. Health Policy and Planning, 20(6), 385–393. https://doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czi046