Exploring the strategies used by managers to support midwives experiencing adverse events in a selected district of Gauteng province

Abstract

Background: Globally, adverse events (AEs) remain a major patient safety concern, as they are unintended injuries resulting from healthcare management rather than from the patient’s condition. Managerial support is essential to help midwives cope. Limited research exists on strategies that managers use to support midwives following AEs.
Aim: To explore and describe strategies used by managers to support midwives who experience AEs in obstetric units of selected district in Gauteng province.
Setting: Three public hospitals in Gauteng province, South Africa.
Methods: Qualitative, exploratory, descriptive and contextual design was used. Twelve managers were purposively selected through non-probability sampling. Data were gathered using semi-structured interviews, lasting 30 min – 45 min. A pilot study conducted tested interview process and analysed using Tesch’s coding.
Results: Findings revealed three themes and six sub-themes. Support included assistance with incident reporting; assessment of AEs; creation of supportive work environment; provision training; emotional support; and follow-up sessions.
Conclusion: Managerial support is critical in mitigating emotional and professional impact on midwives. A 24-hour counselling service was recommended.
Contribution: This study provide evidence on managers’ support strengthening emotional and professional systems. The findings will improve policies, leadership practices and training of midwives.