European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Objective: This study explored the experiences of the midwives (staff-nurses) in six public and three private hospitals on the management ofpostpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in Odisha, India.
Study design: Qualitative explorative study
 
Methods: A total of 18 In-depth Interviews (IDIs) were conducted among staff-nurses who were handling the PPH. The IDIs were carried out by the first author in the local language, digitally recorded, transcribed, translated into English, and analyzed using a content analysis approach.
 
Results: Theme emerged was "Opportunity and obstacle in PPH management" with four categories: preparedness for the management of PPH, participation in the actual situation, challenges faced during the management, and suggestion for better management. This study highlighted the major obstacles for proper management of PPH includes lack of human resources, adequate infrastructure, stock-out of emergency-medications and little skilled-based-training of staff.
 
Conclusions: Training of staff-nurses is necessary to bridge the gap in negligence and to solve life-threatening obstetric emergencies. Capacity building, supervision, refresher training and support are needed to enhance expertise in the management in obstetric complications to reduce the incidence of PPH. Besides, early referral, timely emergency services, blood bank facilities and successful management of the third stage of labour are strongly recommended.