Abstract
Background: Puerperal sepsis following childbirth constitutes the second leading cause of maternal mortality world-wide and has been partly attributed to contamination during the process of childbirth. Puerperal infection emanating from poor practice of aseptic technique among midwives during the birth of the baby is one of the factors underlying the tenacious rates of maternal deaths in Swaziland. Interventions such as promoting birth of babies under skilled attendants, improving nutrition education and practices of maternal women have been explored in Swaziland. However, initiatives towards reduction of infection during birth in particular, practising aseptic technique are poorly explored among midwives.
Aim: To explore the contributory factors leading to contamination during the process of childbirth and to develop strategies towards reducing infections during the second stage of labour.
Methodology: Baseline data was collected using self-administered questionnaires to explore the challenges faced by midwives in practicing aseptic technique during the process of childbirth. The baseline findings were used to build the capacity among midwives. Topics covered during training sessions included infection reduction methods and use of proper aseptic technique during delivery. Post intervention data was collected in April 2017 using an audit tool adapted from the standard operating procedures (SOP) for normal deliveries.
Results: Aseptic technique training as well as introduction of midwifery procedure manual improved compliance to infection reduction SOP by 6 percent, from 81% to 87%. However, aseptic technique audits showed that midwives rarely wear a mask before opening a delivery pack.
Implications for Midwifery practice: Contaminations that occur during maternal delivery are a result of negligence more than lack of knowledge. Provision of enough delivery packs will improve and significantly contribute to reduction of puerperal sepsis attributed to contamination during the process of childbirth.
Sigma Membership
Non-member
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Maternal-Child Health, Nurse Leadership, Africa, Infection Reduction, Sepsis
Recommended Citation
Vilakati, Mandlenkosi; Masuku, Sakhile; and Tagutanazvo, Oslinah Buru, "Infection reduction during the second stage of labour: Improving the practice of aseptic technique by midwives in a national referral hospital" (2018). Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership - Africa. 1.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/mchnla/2017/presentations/1
Conference Name
Chi Xi at-Large Chapter First Biennial Conference Swaziland
Conference Host
Chi Xi at-Large Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Exulwini Valley, Lobamba, Swaziland
Conference Year
2017
Rights Holder
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Review Type
Faculty/Mentor Approved: Sigma Academy Participant Poster
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Infection reduction during the second stage of labour: Improving the practice of aseptic technique by midwives in a national referral hospital
Exulwini Valley, Lobamba, Swaziland
Background: Puerperal sepsis following childbirth constitutes the second leading cause of maternal mortality world-wide and has been partly attributed to contamination during the process of childbirth. Puerperal infection emanating from poor practice of aseptic technique among midwives during the birth of the baby is one of the factors underlying the tenacious rates of maternal deaths in Swaziland. Interventions such as promoting birth of babies under skilled attendants, improving nutrition education and practices of maternal women have been explored in Swaziland. However, initiatives towards reduction of infection during birth in particular, practising aseptic technique are poorly explored among midwives.
Aim: To explore the contributory factors leading to contamination during the process of childbirth and to develop strategies towards reducing infections during the second stage of labour.
Methodology: Baseline data was collected using self-administered questionnaires to explore the challenges faced by midwives in practicing aseptic technique during the process of childbirth. The baseline findings were used to build the capacity among midwives. Topics covered during training sessions included infection reduction methods and use of proper aseptic technique during delivery. Post intervention data was collected in April 2017 using an audit tool adapted from the standard operating procedures (SOP) for normal deliveries.
Results: Aseptic technique training as well as introduction of midwifery procedure manual improved compliance to infection reduction SOP by 6 percent, from 81% to 87%. However, aseptic technique audits showed that midwives rarely wear a mask before opening a delivery pack.
Implications for Midwifery practice: Contaminations that occur during maternal delivery are a result of negligence more than lack of knowledge. Provision of enough delivery packs will improve and significantly contribute to reduction of puerperal sepsis attributed to contamination during the process of childbirth.
Description
This presentation is the summation of a project undertake as part of the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International, Maternal-Child Health Nurse Leadership Academy (2016-2017 cohort).