Jordanian health care providers' perceptions of post-partum health care.

PURPOSE

This qualitative descriptive study explored Jordanian health care providers' perceptions of the health care that they provide for post-partum mothers.

METHODS

Thirty Jordanian health care providers (physicians, nurses and midwives) participated in three focus group discussions. A content analysis approach was used to analyse the data as appropriate for descriptive qualitative inquiry.

FINDINGS

Health care providers indicated that the care they deliver includes breastfeeding, family planning, childcare and laboratory tests. Health care providers reflected confidence in the care given but indicated the need for continuing education, more resources and expressions of appreciation.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings provide insights into Jordanian health care providers' perspectives on post-partum health care and emphasized the importance of enhancing utilization of such care in Jordan. It is suggested that the Jordanian Ministry of Health develop a comprehensive plan of educational offerings for providers, with a standardized educational programme for post-partum women. It is essential that all health care facilities provide high-quality post-partum health care that meets the needs of the maternal/infant dyad. Like all qualitative descriptive studies, generalizability of the results may be limited to similar situations and cultures.