Exploration of Mothers’ Expectations of Care during Childbirth in Public Health Facilities in Kumasi, Ghana

Abstract

It is well established that clients’ past healthcare experiences influence their further use of that particular service, as well as their recommendations of that service. This also applies to the use of facility-based childbirth services which contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality rates. This paper explores what mothers’ want from care in public health centres during childbirth. Knowing mothers’ expectations will contribute to improving their future childbirth care experiences. In this explorative qualitative study, 56 women were recruited from four public health centres. In-depth individual interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed in full, and subjected to content analysis. Themes emerged, revealing participants’ desire for both “respectful care†and “safe careâ€. From our findings, we posit that respectful care should be characterised by adequate communication between the healthcare provider and patient, and involvement of the patient in care decisions. Participants expected safe care, which results from health facilities with adequate resources. Health services generally concentrate on clinical care which aligns with mothers’ expectations of respectful and safe care. However, soft skills need much attention in nursing and midwifery education. There is also a need to orient midwives to a patient-centred approach to care that meets mothers’ expectations for childbirth care.