RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Voices from the frontline: findings from a thematic analysis of a rapid online global survey of maternal and newborn health professionals facing the COVID-19 pandemic
JF BMJ Global Health
JO BMJ Global Health
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP e002967
DO 10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002967
VO 5
IS 6
A1 Aline Semaan
A1 Constance Audet
A1 Elise Huysmans
A1 Bosede Afolabi
A1 Bouchra Assarag
A1 Aduragbemi Banke-Thomas
A1 Hannah Blencowe
A1 Séverine Caluwaerts
A1 Oona Maeve Renee Campbell
A1 Francesca L Cavallaro
A1 Leonardo Chavane
A1 Louise Tina Day
A1 Alexandre Delamou
A1 Therese Delvaux
A1 Wendy Jane Graham
A1 Giorgia Gon
A1 Peter Kascak
A1 Mitsuaki Matsui
A1 Sarah Moxon
A1 Annettee Nakimuli
A1 Andrea Pembe
A1 Emma Radovich
A1 Thomas van den Akker
A1 Lenka Benova
YR 2020
UL http://gh.bmj.com/content/5/6/e002967.abstract
AB Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has substantially impacted maternity care provision worldwide. Studies based on modelling estimated large indirect effects of the pandemic on services and health outcomes. The objective of this study was to prospectively document experiences of frontline maternal and newborn healthcare providers.Methods We conducted a global, cross-sectional study of maternal and newborn health professionals via an online survey disseminated through professional networks and social media in 12 languages. Information was collected between 24 March and 10 April 2020 on respondents’ background, preparedness for and response to COVID-19 and their experience during the pandemic. An optional module sought information on adaptations to 17 care processes. Descriptive statistics and qualitative thematic analysis were used to analyse responses, disaggregating by low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and high-income countries (HICs).Results We analysed responses from 714 maternal and newborn health professionals. Only one-third received training on COVID-19 from their health facility and nearly all searched for information themselves. Half of respondents in LMICs received updated guidelines for care provision compared with 82% in HICs. Overall, 47% of participants in LMICs and 69% in HICs felt mostly or completely knowledgeable in how to care for COVID-19 maternity patients. Facility-level responses to COVID-19 (signage, screening, testing and isolation rooms) were more common in HICs than LMICs. Globally, 90% of respondents reported somewhat or substantially higher levels of stress. There was a widespread perception of reduced use of routine maternity care services, and of modification in care processes, some of which were not evidence-based practices.Conclusions Substantial knowledge gaps exist in guidance on management of maternity cases with or without COVID-19. Formal information-sharing channels for providers must be established and mental health support provided. Surveys of maternity care providers can help track the situation, capture innovations and support rapid development of effective responses.