Isangula K, Mwasha L, Pallangyo E, Ndirangu-Mugo E. The role of nurse-client relationships in maternal and child healthcare: a qualitative study in rural Tanzania.
FRONTIERS IN HEALTH SERVICES 2023;
3:1058840. [PMID:
37435510 PMCID:
PMC10331615 DOI:
10.3389/frhs.2023.1058840]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023]
Abstract
Background
The literature suggests that poor provider-client relationships in maternal and child healthcare (MCH) continue to impact healthcare service uptake, continuity of care, and MCH outcomes. However, there is a paucity of literature on the benefits of the nurse-client relationship for clients, nurses, and the health system, particularly in rural African contexts.
Objective
This study examined the perceived benefits and disadvantages of good and poor nurse-client relationships in rural Tanzania respectively. We present the findings of a community-driven inquiry that was the first step of a broader study that sought to co-design an intervention package for strengthening nurse-client relationships in MCH in rural contexts using a human-centred design approach.
Methods
This study used a qualitative descriptive design. Nine focus group discussions and 12 key informant interviews were conducted using semi-structured interview guides. Participants were purposefully selected nurses/midwives and clients attending MCH services, and MCH administrators. Data were managed using NVivo and analysed thematically.
Results
A range of perceived benefits of good nurse-client relationships and disadvantages of poor relationships emerged. Perceived benefits of good nurse-client relationships included: (i) benefits to clients (increased healthcare-seeking behaviours, disclosure, adherence, return to care, positive health outcomes, and referral tendencies); (ii) benefits to nurses (increased confidence, efficiency, productivity, job satisfaction, trust, and community reputation and support); and (iii) benefits to healthcare facilities/systems (increased client load and consequently income, fewer complaints and legal disputes, increased trust and facility delivery, and reduced maternal and child deaths). The disadvantages of poor nurse-client relationships were basically the opposite of their benefits.
Conclusion
The benefits of good nurse-client relationships and the disadvantages of poor relationships extend beyond patients and nurses to the healthcare system/facility level. Therefore, identifying and implementing feasible and acceptable interventions for nurses and clients could pave the way for good nurse-client relationships, leading to improved MCH outcomes and performance indicators.
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