Speakers - WNRC2026

Abstract

Background: Over the last two decades, globally, the number of neonatal deaths declined from 5.0 million in 1990 to 2.5 million in 2018. The residual neonatal mortality rate is seen as problematic and indicative of possible poor services or failings in the provision of quality care to neonates. This study aimed to analyse nurses’ perceptions related to the quality of the neonatal continuum of care, using the Donabedian model as an evaluative framework.
Methods: A qualitative study design was utilised. Primary data was collected via semi-structured interviews from a purposive sample of nurses (n=21), and observations. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. 
Results: Two categories of criteria relating to structure and process were identified. Structure criteria included Human resources and resources; and process criteria included technical quality, interpersonal development, and nurse-patient relationship. 
Conclusion: To ensure the provision of quality care, a variety of infrastructure, an adequate supply of equipment, supplies and an adequate staff capacity that are trained and skilled healthcare professionals are required.  
Keywords: Donabedian’s model, neonatal continuum of care, quality