Difficulties of nurses and midwives in caring for refugee mothers: A qualitative study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to describe the difficulties of nurses and midwives experience in caring for refugee mothers in obstetrics and gynecology clinics.

METHODS

This study had a descriptive phenomenological approach. Between 1 September 2020 and 1 April 2021, data were collected from 6 nurses and 7 midwives working in obstetrics and gynecology clinic who had previous experience in caring for refugee mothers. The data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research checklist were used in the reporting of the study.

RESULTS

Two themes and five subthemes emerged from the qualitative analysis. The first of the two themes identified was difficulties with cultural differences, which had the sub-themes of preference for female doctors or interpreters and harmful cultural practices. The second theme was difficulties with communication, which consisted of three subthemes, namely, taking anamnesis, giving nursing/midwifery care, and giving education.

CONCLUSION

It is very important to determine the difficulties experienced by nurses and midwives while caring for refugee women to increase the quality of health services and to find solutions.