A maternal health expert has warned that unresolved conflicts among doctors, midwives, and nurses on the same hospital shift can lead to misdiagnosis and poor care, resulting in the loss of mothers' and babies' lives. Mrs. Racheal Hesse Matey, Chief Executive Officer of MamaCare by Racheal, raised the alarm at the Annual Health Conference on Maternal and Neonatal Mortality. She emphasized that when care providers cannot agree on how to treat a labouring mother, the disagreement can become a matter of life and death.
Mrs. Hesse Matey explained that when disputes among colleagues on duty are left to fester, clinical protocols meant to guide decision-making are abandoned. This can lead to inappropriate interventions and poor coordination, ultimately affecting patient care. She noted that when staff working the same shift are not on good terms with one another, patient care suffers. Interpersonal conflicts must be resolved quickly to ensure proper care for women in labour or newborns needing urgent attention.
The warning highlights a cause of maternal and neonatal deaths that goes beyond commonly cited shortages of equipment, medicines, or personnel. Ghana continues to record high maternal mortality figures, and Mrs. Hesse Matey's comments suggest that effective communication and cooperation among healthcare providers are crucial for positive outcomes. A mother's safety during childbirth may depend on the team's ability to agree on a single course of action.
Mrs. Hesse Matey called on health facilities and training institutions to prioritize teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution in maternal care delivery. She also urged midwives to continually update their professional knowledge to keep pace with informed patients who arrive at hospitals with preconceived notions about their pregnancies. Many expectant mothers now follow their pregnancy progress and research what to expect during labour, making it essential for caregivers to have adequate knowledge.
Mrs. Hesse Matey emphasized the need for equitable treatment of all patients, regardless of their social background, financial standing, or appearance. She cautioned trainee nurses and midwives against excessive phone and social media use while on duty, stressing that every moment spent attending to a patient matters. By prioritizing patient care and effective communication, healthcare providers can reduce the risk of maternal and neonatal mortality.
The issue is particularly relevant in Ghana, where maternal mortality figures remain high. The sources do not indicate whether the Ghana Health Service, the Ministry of Health, or individual hospitals plan specific follow-up action in response to Mrs. Hesse Matey's remarks. However, her comments have highlighted the need for urgent attention to this critical aspect of maternal care.
The implementation of conflict-resolution measures in maternity wards is crucial to addressing this issue. While no timeline has been given, Mrs. Hesse Matey's call to action is expected to resonate with healthcare providers and policymakers. By working together to address these challenges, Ghana can make progress in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates and ensuring that mothers and babies receive the best possible care.
Key points
- Unresolved conflicts among healthcare providers can lead to misdiagnosis and poor care, resulting in maternal and neonatal mortality.
- Effective communication and cooperation among healthcare providers are crucial for positive outcomes in maternal care.
- Health facilities and training institutions must prioritize teamwork, communication, and conflict resolution in maternal care delivery.
