Ghanaian midwives' perspective of muddling through challenges with use of non-adjustable delivery beds: A descriptive exploratory study

Introduction: The use of obsolete equipment such as non-adjustable delivery beds in healthcare delivery poses challenges to the healthcare provider. Midwives go through stress and endure pain from the use of non-adjustable delivery beds in the performance of their duties. The use of these beds in conducting deliveries is widespread in most developing countries including Ghana; however, scanty literature exists on how midwives cope with these attendant challenges. This study explored the strategies adopted by midwives to cope with the use of non-adjustable delivery beds. Methods: A qualitative approach with an exploratory descriptive design was used to explore how midwives cope with the challenges of using non-adjustable delivery beds. Data were collected and recorded on voice recording devices from twenty (20) midwives through semi-structured interviews with the use of an interview guide. Only midwives who met the selection criteria were contacted and interviewed. Data were manually transcribed and analysed using content analysis. The researchers observed all ethical protocols in carrying out this research. Results: Four themes emerged from the analysis of data: Coping through self-medication; taking rests and going for physiotherapy; referrals of clients to other facilities and posture adaptation to work. Conclusion: The coping strategies adopted by midwives in the use of non-adjustable delivery beds are unsustainable. The continuous use of non-adjustable delivery beds could lead to attrition in the midwifery workforce due to unfriendly work environment. Urgent steps are needed to address these challenges to retain this essential workforce.