Healthcare Providers' Perspectives on Sustaining Respectful Maternity Care Appreciated by Mothers, in Five Hospitals of Rwanda

Abstract

Abstract Background: Childbirth demands respect, as emphasized by the World Health Organization in 2018 and the focus towards the need for positive, dignified delivery experiences, has become an integral aspect of Respectful Maternity Care (RMC). It is a known fact that RMC is pivotal for favorable birth outcomes and reduce mistreatment during childbirth. Absence of RMC violates women and newborns' rights, and the study aims to explore Health Care Providers' perspectives on sustaining RMC actions previously reported by mothers. Methodology: This study was conducted in five hospitals in the Eastern province of Rwanda, involving 5 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with midwives and nurses. For interviews, we purposively selected 5-unit managers and 5 physicians. Additionally, 40 midwives and nurses were recruited for the FGDs. The research utilized the Dream phase of Appreciative Inquiry (AI) for interviews and Focus Groups. Data collection aimed to gain insights into Healthcare Providers' perceptions of how RMC is provided and how to establish and to sustain RMC in Rwandan health facilities. Nvivo 12 was employed for organizing codes and creating a codebook, and thematic analysis was applied. Results: 4 themes emerged and their sub-themes.1) Women centered care withCompassionate care, Privacy and confidentiality maintenance, Information provision and liberty in decision making, Effective communication, Family involvement, Cleanness Equality care. 2)Professionalism compliance with Motivated staff, Teamwork, Continuous development, Quality work provision, Community trust. 3) RMC encounters 4) RMC sustenance Conclusion and recommendations: The continuous pursuit of high RMC standards in Rwanda involves improving childbirth experiences through utilizing existing resources, ongoing improvement, and sustaining achievements. Key recommended actions in this study for sustaining RMC encompass promoting women-centered care, enhancing healthcare provider attitudes, ensuring professionalism, building community trust, maintaining conducive health facility environments, and involving leadership