Gaza Midwives’ Lived Experience of Providing Maternity Care During COVID-19

Meta-synthesis of the experiences of midwives providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic

PROBLEM

During the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives faced emotional and physical risks while on the frontlines providing care.

BACKGROUND

To maintain a healthy midwifery workforce, it is necessary to understand midwives' pandemic challenges and successes, including how they personally and professionally faced changes to care provision.

AIM

The aim of this meta-synthesis was to understand the experiences of midwives working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Noblit and Hare's (1988) approach to synthesising qualitative research studies was followed. Fifteen qualitative research reports were identified using PRISMA guidelines, producing a sample of 588 midwives from 12 countries.

FINDINGS

The synthesis revealed three overarching themes: (1) Turmoil and confusion: a spectrum of emotions due to ever-changing protocols, (2) COVID-19 stripped the "being with" out of midwifery care, and (3) Finding our way: midwifery resilience and growth. Analysed together, these three themes contribute to understanding the experiences of midwives working during the COVID-19 pandemic.

DISCUSSION

Midwives experienced fear, stress, and anxiety. They felt they couldn't physically be with women during the pandemic. They were frustrated by being left out of institutional decision-making regarding COVID-19 protocols that impacted the women they served. Professional growth as a midwife, and personal resilience were ultimately realised.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the routine ways in which midwives provide care in all settings. Understanding the complete experience of midwives during the pandemic allows for midwifery organizations to be aware of their members' needs, as well as for institutions to ensure supports are in place for midwives in the event of future pandemics.

Quality midwifery care during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bangladesh: A focus group study with midwives, nurses, and midwifery educators

INTRODUCTION

Bangladesh has made remarkable strides in the development of the midwifery profession. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had profound effects on healthcare systems worldwide, including those related to reproductive, perinatal, and maternal health. Given the recent advancements in the midwifery field in Bangladesh, it is crucial to examine the pandemic's impact on existing barriers and the capacity of midwifery professionals to deliver high-quality care. The aim of this study is to describe the possibility of midwives being able to provide quality midwifery care in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

To gather insights, data were collected from July to October 2020 via four qualitative focus group discussions online; 23 actively practicing midwives, nurses specializing in midwifery care, and midwifery educators, participated. The data analysis employed reflexive thematic analysis.

RESULTS

The COVID-19 crisis posed significant threats to women's safety and health, with lockdowns exacerbating gender inequalities in society. Midwives faced added challenges due to their relatively low professional status and increased workloads. Insufficient policy implementation further compromised midwives' safety. Fear of contracting the virus and working during their free time also raised concerns about the quality of care provided. Nevertheless, the pandemic provided opportunities for midwives to demonstrate their ability to deliver independent midwifery care in Bangladesh.

CONCLUSIONS

The pandemic underscored the importance of creating respectful and dignified working conditions for midwives. It revealed that professional midwives can work independently when provided with the necessary space and a supportive work environment. This opens the door for the implementation of a midwifery-led care model. Further research is recommended to investigate the medical safety and efficacy of independent midwifery care in the context of Bangladesh.