Strategies for induction of novice midwives in labour wards in an academic hospital cluster in Gauteng province, South Africa

Abstract

Introduction: Globally, emphasis is placed on effective induction in the workplace to direct human capital in an appropriate manner. Induction of novice midwives might help forestalling unfavourable health effects that impact negatively on the health of mothers and babies. South African studies support that an effective induction programme for novice midwives can improve patient care outcomes in a labour ward. Aim: To develop induction strategies to guide novice midwives in a labour ward with the intention to empower them from novice to competent midwives. Objectives: Phase 1: (a) Explore and describe the experiences of novice midwives regarding their induction in a labour ward during the first six months of practice. (b) Explore and describe the views of the labour ward operational managers. (c) Explore and describe the support provided by maternity area managers regarding the induction of novice midwives in a labour ward. Phase 2: Develop the induction strategies with labour ward operational managers and maternity area managers through consensus method using Nominal Group Technique. Phase 3: Refine and validate the induction strategies with midwifery experts through consensus method using Delphi Technique. Research design: - A qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive design was used in three phases. Methods: The setting was in the labour wards of a designated central academic cluster of hospitals in Tshwane District, Gauteng. Population, Data collection and Data analysis: Phase 1: The population was novice midwives in a labour ward during the first six months of practice; labour ward operational managers and maternity area managers. Data were collected by means of individual interviews and scribing of the notes. The information received was interpreted by means of thematic analysis through an open coding system. Phase 2: Results of Phase 1 initially employed to formulate the first outline of induction strategies through Nominal Group Technique with operational and area managers. Phase 3: Midwifery experts refined and validated the developed induction strategies using an e-Delphi Technique. Significance of the study: Induction strategies will form part of the crucial knowledge base that will be used as a framework to capacitate novice midwives in improving patient care outcomes in a labour ward.