Attitudes of Labour Ward Staff towards a Clinical Practice Guideline for Monitoring Women during Labour: Midwives’ Views

Abstract

Partogram is generally regarded as a clinical practice guideline that is useful in early detection of complications duringlabour. This article described the views of midwives on the use of partogram in monitoring women during labour. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive design was used. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with seventeen midwives who were purposively selected from three hospitals in Vhembe District. Interviews were tape- recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using Tesch’s (1990) eightsteps data analysis. Positive and negative views of midwives were highlighted. Partogram was viewed as an important tool that is liked by some participants. However, lack of support, trust, knowledge and dislike of the partogram among some other staff members were indicated by midwives. It is concluded that although partogram is regarded as a useful tool, consideration of the views of midwives on its use can assist managers in identifying and addressing aspects that may improve the effective use of the partogram.

Keywords: Clinical Practice Guideline, Midwives, Women, Partogram, Labour