Journal of Nursing and Health Studies

Training needs for midwives towards improving maternal care in Limpopo Province, South Africa

EuroSciCon Event on Nursing Diagnosis & Midwifery
September 10-11,2018 Prague,Czech Republic

Linda Skaal, TM Mothiba and Vanja Berggren

University of Limpopo, Sovenga, South Africa Lund University, Sweden

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: J Nurs Health Stud

DOI: 10.21767/2574-2825-C4-012

Abstract

Introduction: Maternal health is regarded as one of the determinants of a country’s health status. Whilst some countries have succeeded in reducing maternal mortality, South Africa still struggles to totally eradicate maternal mortality, especially in rural provinces. The aim of this study was to determine the training needs of midwives in order to improve maternal care in public health care facilities in Limpopo Province. Methodology: This was mixed methods approach and an explanatory sequential design was used. A total of 150 midwives participated in the study. Training needs establishment was based on the need for improvement of clinical practice pre, intra, post-delivery and puerperium period. A questionnaire was used to establish the training needs for midwives in Limpopo Province. Results: The results showed that there was a need for continuous on-the-job training for new protocols, debriefing of midwives and appreciation of the work done by the Department of health. Skills retraining were also essential to improve service delivery at maternal units. Conclusion: and Recommendations: It is anticipated that strengthening of the health system which includes improved access to quality health services, trained healthcare personnel and community integration will help improve maternal and child health outcomes, therefore addressing Sustainable Developmental Goal 3 which focuses on good health and wellbeing. It is imported to create a supportive environment for the development of the midwives

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