Roles and Functions of Rural Health Midwives in Cordillera Administrative Region: A Qualitative Pilot Study.

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Midwifery Practice
• Rural Healthcare

Background:

• Midwives are crucial frontline health professionals in rural communities.
• Their roles have expanded from maternal and child care to primary healthcare services.
• Limited research exists on the professional practice of rural midwives in the Philippines.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the professional practice of midwives in rural areas of the Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines.
• To understand the scope and challenges of rural midwifery in the region.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative pilot study utilizing semi-structured interviews.
• Key informant interviews conducted via mobile phone.
• Data analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

Main Results:

• Six themes emerged from interviews with seven rural health midwives.
• Key functions include antenatal/postnatal care, emergency obstetrical/newborn care, health education, treating common infections, and health promotion.
• Midwives often perform roles beyond their official scope due to geographical and logistical issues.

Conclusions:

• Rural midwives deliver mandated primary healthcare services and extend their roles to address access barriers.
• Findings suggest a need for policymakers to review and amend midwives' expanded roles for empowerment and quality care.
• Results are vital for preparing midwives for effective rural practice.