Enhancing focused antenatal care in Ghana: An exploration into perceptions of practicing midwives

ObjectiveThe specific objectives of this study were to explore the perceptions of midwives on focused antenatal care at a large urban hospital in Tema, Ghana.MethodologyAn interpretive descriptive design was used to explore, interpret and describe the perceptions of midwives in the provision of focused antenatal services to pregnant women. Purposive sampling techniques were used to recruit participants (midwives). Data were collected by conducting individual semi-structured interviews. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim. Data were manually coded using two methods described by Saldana (2009). Guba’s model of trustworthiness was implemented.FindingsFive themes emerged from the data analysis. It included midwives’ conceptualization of FANC and their perception of FANC processes/flow, quality of care, factor inhibiting the implementation of FANC, and strategies to enhance FANC interventions.DiscussionContinuous quality management is essential to ensure a supportive environment to deliver FANC services. Continued and increased support from Ghana Health Service (GHS) will be of great importance.ConclusionIt is clear that the midwives in this study perceived FANC positive. FANC contributes to the quality of ANC delivery and subsequent improvement in the health status of pregnant women in Ghana. In addition, the findings contributed to existing knowledge and have the potential to guide future research in the field of ANC to improve maternal health and reduce maternal deaths.