A Research Report Submitted In Partial Fulfilment Of The Requirement For Award Of The Masters Of Health Systems Management (MHSM) Of Mzumbe
Maternal and neonatal mortality rates will continue to jeopardize the perpetuation of the existing generation until all effects invested in the health systems are directed toward meeting the needs of care users. This study takes into account of both, care user’s and provider’s perspectives so as to determine the common key areas for quality improvement. The study aims at understanding the care users’ and care providers’ experiences during childbirth care at St. Kizito Hospital.
A hospital-based qualitative study design was used to conduct in-depth interviews to purposively selected 17 women exiting maternity ward and 6 health care providers providing childbirth care at the hospital. Observation method was also used to compliment data obtained from interviews. The data were analysed basing on the objectives of the study to assess users’ and providers’ experiences of care during childbirth.
Care users mentioned disrespect, neglect and discrimination as their concerns while shortage of staff, lack of motivation and competence among the existing health care workforces were the concerns of the care providers. However, both care users and providers had common perspectives on the unfavourable condition of insecticide treated nets and cost of care. This may be very helpful for police makers to prioritise key challenges identified by both the groups when developing quality improvement program in making health facility services more responsive to client’s needs.