Challenges Midwives in Limpopo Province Encounter when Implementing Saving Mothers Recommendations

The recommendations of Saving Mothers report by the National Committee for Confidential Enquiry into Maternal Deaths (NCCEMD) were formulated in response to the high maternal mortality rate in South Africa. Saving Mothers’ Report recommendations were implemented in maternity units of Limpopo province. However, the mortality rate for 2014-2016 in Limpopo was 165.16/100000 live births against the national target of 38/100000 live births. The purpose of this study was to explore the challenges faced by registered midwives when implementing these recommendations.

A qualitative research approach, which is descriptive, exploratory and contextual design, was used. A non-probability, purposive and convenience sampling was used to select 25 participants. Data were collected from August to October 2017 through the individual in-depth unstructured interview from 22 participants based on data saturation. Trustworthiness was ensured through credibility, dependability, transferability and confirmability. Data were analysed using Tesch’s open coding technique. Ethical standards were adhered to.

The findings revealed one theme and five sub-themes indicating hindrances to the implementation of recommendations of Saving Mothers Report by midwives in maternity units in Limpopo province.

The researchers concluded that the registered midwives were faced with challenges that need to be addressed to facilitate the implementation of recommendations for Saving Mothers report effectively. Further research was recommended with implications in practice and nursing education.