Midwives’ Views on Improved Use of the Partogram in Vhembe District of Limpopo Province, South Africa

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The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the views of midwives on the improved use of the partogram. A qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual study on the partogram as a clinical practice guideline was conducted in Limpopo Province as a requirement for a doctoral degree. Midwives working at Vhembe District hospitals formed the population of the study. A sample of 17 midwives was conveniently selected from the three hospitals in the district. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with midwives who signed the consent form. Midwives were asked to describe their experiences with the use of the partogram and their views on how its implementation could be improved. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Tesch’s eight steps of qualitative data analysis were used to analyse the data. The findings of the research study highlight several challenges experienced by midwives, including their views on the improved use of the partogram. In this article, only the views of midwives on the improved use of the partogram are discussed. Midwives suggested that they be empowered with knowledge and given support by ward managers, that the partogram document be redesigned and that communication take place with midwives by ward and district managers related to changes on the partogram. It is recommended that midwifery training programmes and in-service training emphasise the partogram; that midwives be encouraged and supported by ward managers and provided with enough staff and equipment; that managers redesign the partogram document format and that communication with midwives be improved when changes are made.