Date of Award

11-26-2022

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Nursing (MScN)

First Advisor

Dr. Rafat Jan

Second Advisor

Ms. Shahnaz Shahid

Third Advisor

Dr. Waseem Mirza

Department

School of Nursing and Midwifery, Pakistan

Abstract

Background: Obstetric ultrasound is considered an essential tool in the provision of safe antenatal care, globally. The recent guidelines by the World Health Organization recommend ultrasound as part of routine care in antenatal service. Ultrasound helps in early detection of high-risk pregnancies, and their management through timely referrals. Midwives are the significant healthcare care providers of antenatal care services, including ultrasound services.
Purpose: The study aimed to explore the midwives’ experiences, and the facilitators and barriers related to obstetric ultrasound use in Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral, Pakistan. Methodology: A phenomenological study design was used in this study. A total of 14 participants were recruited through the universal sampling technique. The participants were selected from the basic health centers in different districts of Gilgit Baltistan and Chitral, Pakistan. In-depth individual interviews, based on the lived experiences of midwives were conducted, using a semi structured interview guide to collect the data. Data was analyzed using Creswell’s steps (2013) for analysis of themes.
Findings: The findings revealed four major themes: (i) Transformation of practice, (ii) Feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction, (iii) Discomfort with training duration and multidisciplinary team, and (iv) Dissatisfaction with the resources.
Conclusion: The study explored the experiences of those midwives who had been trained for obstetric ultrasound and were performing ultrasound in their basic health centers. It is concluded from the study that midwives can play a major role in antenatal care, especially in providing ultrasound services to the community. This study highlighted that if midwives are given proper training, they can perform ultrasound scanning in their basic health centers and make the delivery of service easy for the community. Moreover, the study showed that the midwives had the courage and confidence to perform ultrasound scanning. Furthermore, the women and their families were satisfied with the services and found it economical. Additionally, the study showed that the midwives were trying their best to overcome the hurdles and to continue their practice. So, if they are facilitated well, such as provided training of a longer duration, regular refresher trainings, and within exclusive midwives group, and most importantly, provided access to resources, then they can be more empowered, more confident, and more responsible in their skills.

First Page

1

Last Page

46

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