Knowledge Sharing for Maternal Health at a Public Hospital in South Africa

Abstract

Purpose: This paper investigates knowledge sharing for maternal health in one of the major public referral hospitals in South Africa–the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). Poor knowledge on maternal health continues to present a global challenge, particularly in developing countries where maternal mortality remains very high. Design/methodology/approach: A qualitative study and case study design were conducted to obtain an in-depth understanding of knowledge sharing for maternal health in one of the major public referral hospitals in South Africa. Convenience sampling of 35 pregnant women was undertaken. In-depth face-to-face interviews were employed to the point of saturation. Findings: The findings revealed elementary knowledge sharing for maternal health and several challenges to knowledge sharing. Limitations: This paper focuses on knowledge sharing at the antenatal care unit. Although effective knowledge sharing during antenatal phase may enhance post-natal care, it will have been beneficial to also understand the post-natal perspective of knowledge sharing. Furthermore, issues of representativeness may result from the use of convenience sampling. However, the purpose of this study is not to generalise the results but to provide an in-depth understanding of knowledge sharing for maternal health in a public hospital in South Africa and suggests a dynamic interactive strategy to enhance knowledge sharing that may effectively improve maternal health. Practical implication: Strategies for knowledge sharing for maternal health were established. The paper concluded that increasing knowledge sharing on safe motherhood practices would translate into safer pregnancy outcomes and would subsequently lead to lower maternal mortality. Knowledge sharing is critical in improving maternal health in a developing country like South Africa, where maternal deaths during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium remain a significant public health issue. Goal 3 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed in 2015 seeks to promote good health and well-being and to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to fewer than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030. Knowledge sharing is crucial in reducing the MMR. Originality/value: Studies conducted on knowledge sharing in the health sector have focused mainly on health professionals and the use of technology for mobile health. This paper adds to the body of knowledge-on-knowledge management and healthcare services, with specific focus on knowledge sharing and maternal care. Knowledge sharing for maternal health will reduce pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood-related health risks.