JOYCE TWAHAFIFWA SHATILWE

ABSTRACT

This descriptive quantitative study was conducted out at Oshakati State Hospital. The purpose of the study was to assess the nursing care rendered to women who later died due to pregnancy related problems during 2001 – 2002 in Oshakati State Hospital.

Thirty one clinical records of women who later died due to pregnancy related problems during 2001 – 2002 were evaluated. The checklist was used for document analysis.

Data was analyzed through statistical analysis and presented as descriptive statistics. Findings were that nursing care rendered to women who were admitted and later died due to pregnancy related problems was of high standard. Many of the aspects were recorded. Women are not attending antenatal visits as early as possible. They took too long before seeking medical assistance. Nurses applied rules of maternal care. Conditions of patients and their changes were clearly stated and close observations were done. Referrals of patient from district hospital to referral hospital take too long.

Recommendations from this study were that:

 In-service training in place should emphasize more on the importance of taking weight, urinalysis of every patient who is seeking maternal services.

 The public should be informed about the importance of attending antenatal visits via media, dramas or role plays and through pamphlets.

 Nurses should be reminded about the importance of proper record keeping with dates and legible signatures all the time.

 Furthermore, it should be emphasized through workshops that records can provide evidence in court.

 Regulations of the referral system on maternal care should strictly be put in place regarding the hours of patients have to stay in labour after complications have been detected.

 Also, negligence found in managing or prolonging referrals should be strictly dealt with or followed up.