Abstract
M.Cur.
The problem arising from the practice of extended periods of hospitalisation of high risk prenatal patients has been identified. Prolonged hospitalisation influences the physical, psychological and spiritual well-being of the patient A literature study showed that the possibility exists that the indisposition can be handled in a different way which could possibly be just as effective as hospitalisation. The concept of Health Care Management is infiltrating all aspects of nursing services with the ultimate aim of providing an accessible, cost effective service to patients without lowering nursing standards.
This specific research was launched to ascertain and describe how gynaecologists in Pretoria feel about the scope of co-operation between gynaecologists and private midwives in the implementation of Health Care Management in respect of high risk prenatal patients. Fifty seven obstetricians in Pretoria was involved in the research which was conducted by means of a convenient random test. A questionnaire was circulated for research purposes. Information gathered from the questionnaires was processed by hand. Descriptive statistics were used in data analysis. It appears that the majority of the obstetricians in Pretoria is of the opinion that home care of certain high risk prenatal patients could be a possible solution to the problem of prolonged hospitalisation. Various ailments for consideration of home care were mentioned by gynaecologists. Most of the gynaecologists prefer that home calls of high risk prenatal patients are made by midwives. The majority of the gynaecologists participating in the research is prepared to treat high risk prenatal patients at home in co-operation with a midwife. Several conditions were however mentioned under which gynaecologists are prepared to co-operate.
According to the opinion of obstetricians in Pretoria the conclusion arrived at was that there is scope for co-operation between the gynaecologist and the private midwife in the implementation of Health Care Management regarding high risk prenatal home care.