Background: The obstetric triage tool (OBTT) is used to record the clinical findings following obstetric triage (OBT). The recorded OBTT provides midwives with clinical information leading to diagnosis of existing and potential maternal and foetal problems that may lead to intrapartum complications, planning of specific midwifery care and communication among the midwifery team about the woman in labour.Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe midwives’ experiences of the OBTT used during admission of women in labour in the Bojanala district.Setting: This study was conducted in the two selected facilities in Bojanala district in North West province.Methods: This study is a derivative of a major study, entitled ‘Midwives’ experiences of OBT by midwives in the Bojanala district’. A qualitative, explorative and descriptive research design was followed. Nine purposefully sampled midwives with over 5 years of clinical midwifery experience, employed in the Bojanala district, attended a semistructured interview. Data obtained were analysed using Colaizzi’s descriptive method of data analysis according to the themes and categories which emerged.Results: One central theme with 10 subthemes emerged. Midwives verbalised their dissatisfaction with the current OBTT and made recommendations for the revision of the tool.Conclusion: The study highlighted midwives’ experiences of the OBTT and recommendations for an ideal tool based on their knowledge of admission of a woman in labour.Contribution: This study provides a new OBTT from midwives’ perspectives that could be useful in improving pregnancy and labour outcomes in clinical midwifery practice.

Background: Obstetric triage (OBT) is a standardised procedure, which plays a vital role in identifying women with obstetric risks upon admission for labour worldwide. In the last few years, considerable attention has been paid to perinatal problem identification programmes, and it has been determined that the inconsistent use of OBT delays midwives’ responses to both existing and potential clinical problems amongst women in labour. This delay results in negative and serious perinatal outcomes that could have been prevented. This study was conducted to explore and describe midwives’ experiences with OBT in Bojanala district.Aim: This study aimed to explore and describe midwives’ experiences with OBT in Bojanala district.Setting: This study was conducted in Bojanala district of the North West Province. Two public healthcare facilities were selected where midwifery care and OBT services are rendered.Methods: A qualitative, descriptive, explorative research design was followed. Nine purposefully sampled midwives participated in a one-on-one in-depth interview. Data were analysed using Collaizi’s descriptive method based on the themes and categories that emerged.Results: Three themes emerged. Midwives experienced the OBT tool to be inadequate; and that the low staff number contributes to an imbalance in the midwife–patient ratio. Midwives were also dissatisfied with less support they receive from their management.Conclusion: The study highlighted midwives’ experiences of the use of OBT, as presented through their lived experiences. The midwives experienced challenges, which hindered them from practicing OBT to the best of their abilities.Contribution: The study highlighted challenges experienced by midwives regarding OBT, which directly influence the outcomes of pregnancy and labour.

Background The Perinatal Problem Identification Programme (PPIP) is used to rule out the avoidable and nonavoidable causes of negative maternal and perinatal outcomes through file audits. Perinatal Problem Identification Programme serves as a tool for midwives and obstetricians to pinpoint missed opportunities that could prevent avoidable causes of negative perinatal outcomes. Aim The study aimed to describe and explore the avoidable causes of negative perinatal outcomes in Bojanala District through the lens of the midwife. Setting This study was conducted in the two selected facilities in the Bojanala District in the North West Province of South Africa. Methods The study derived from a larger study that focused on midwives’ experiences of obstetric triage in the Bojanala District. A qualitative, exploratory and descriptive research design was used with purposive sample of nine midwives. Participants had over 5 years of clinical midwifery experience and were employed in the Bojanala District. Semi-structured interviews were utilised with data analysed using Colaizzi’s descriptive method of data analysis. Results Three major themes with eight subthemes emerged. Midwives noted space constraints, medicine and medical supply constraints, and constraints in availability of medical equipment. Access to identified constraints would enable prompt and appropriate management. Conclusion The study highlighted the experience of midwives in accessing needed space, medicines, medical supplies and equipment, potentially impacting negative perinatal outcomes. Contribution This study provides insight into administratively related avoidable causes of negative perinatal outcomes through the lens of frontline maternity care providers – midwives. Findings should be of particular utility to health service managers working to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity.