Midwives' Perspective on Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Structure: A Qualitative Study.

Area of Science:

• Maternal and Neonatal Health
• Healthcare Systems Research
• Midwifery Practice

Background:

• Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR) is crucial for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in resource-limited settings.
• Midwives' perspectives on BPCR implementation are vital but underexplored in Nigeria.
• This study addresses the gap by exploring midwives' views on BPCR structure in resource-limited Nigerian environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore midwives' perspectives on the structure of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness (BPCR).
• To understand how BPCR is perceived and implemented by midwives in resource-limited settings in Nigeria.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative exploratory study using semi-structured interviews with 14 purposively selected midwives.
• Conducted in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria.
• Thematic analysis using Braun and Clarke's six-phase framework, ensuring rigor and utilizing ATLAS.ti for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Three key themes emerged: education and planning prerequisites, institutional support for midwives, and supportive networks for pregnant women.
• Education and planning involved complication orientation, detailed information access, and proper planning.
• Support encompassed professional development and collaborative support for midwives, alongside emergency preparedness infrastructure and community networks for pregnant women.

Conclusions:

• Midwives perceive BPCR as a holistic framework.
• This framework integrates provider support (institutional mechanisms) and community support (networks for pregnant women).
• Effective BPCR requires comprehensive education, planning, and robust support systems for both providers and patients.