Roles and functions of rural health midwives in Cordillera Administrative Region: A qualitative pilot study
doi.org/10.47895/amp.vi0.5326
- Author:
Eva Belingon Felipe-Dimog
1
,
2
;
Fu-Wen Liang
1
,
3
;
Ma-Am Joy R. Tumulak
4
,
5
;
Min-Tao Hsu
6
;
Arel B. Sia-ed
7
;
Yvette Joy B. Dumalhin
8
Author Information
1. Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
2. Nursing Department, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Mountain Province, Philippines
3. Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
4. Institute of Human Genetics, National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
5. College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila, Philippines
6. School of Nursing, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
7. Teacher Education Department, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Mountain Province, Philippines
8. Nursing Department, Mountain Province State Polytechnic College, Mountain Province, Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
rural health settings;
rural midwives;
midwife functions
- MeSH:
midwives;
professional practice
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2023;57(6):5-17
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Midwives have been frontline health professionals at the grassroots level, especially in rural communities. Their role was expanded from maternal and child healthcare providers to primary healthcare services providers. Despite their expanded functions, there have been limited studies investigating the professional practice of midwifery in the Philippines in a rural setting.
Objective:This study aimed to investigate the professional practice of midwives in selected rural areas in the
Cordillera Administrative Region, Philippines.
Methods:This research is a qualitative pilot study using a semi-structured interview guide to collect the data. Key informant interviews were conducted through mobile phone calls convenient for the participants from September to October 2021. Data were analyzed through qualitative content analysis.
Results:A total of seven rural health midwives participated in this study. From the data analysis, six themes emerged related to the professional functions of rural Filipino midwives: 1) antenatal and postnatal care, 2) basic emergency obstetrical and newborn care, 3) health education and counseling, 4) treating common children and adult infections, 5) health promotion, and 6) beyond midwifery role.
Conclusion:Rural midwives play a role in providing several primary healthcare services mandated by the
government and the profession. They also offer health services beyond their scope as midwives because of geographical difficulties and logistic issues. The findings inform the policymaker to review and amend the expanded roles of practicing midwives so that they will be empowered in providing quality and legal healthcare
services. The study results will also be important in preparing midwives for rural midwifery practice.
- Full text:5326-Article Text-111841-2-10-20230814.pdf
