Letters in High Energy Physics (Feb 2024)
Challenges in Delivering Care: Views from Nurses, Midwives, and Health Care Administrators
Abstract
The delivery of health care services is fraught with numerous challenges, as highlighted by the perspectives of nurses, midwives, and health care administrators. One significant issue is the strain on resources, which often manifests in understaffing and high patient-to-nurse ratios. Nurses frequently report feeling overwhelmed by the increasing demands of their role while also striving to provide high-quality patient care. Additionally, midwives face unique challenges in providing prenatal and postnatal care, especially in resource-limited settings. They often encounter issues related to access to essential supplies and equipment, which can jeopardize the safety and well-being of both mothers and infants. Furthermore, health care administrators grapple with budget constraints and regulatory requirements, making it difficult to implement necessary changes or improvements in care delivery. Communication and collaboration among health care professionals are also critical challenges. Nurses and midwives often express concerns over the coordination of care, particularly when different specialists are involved in a patient's treatment journey. Miscommunication can lead to errors or delays in care, ultimately affecting patient outcomes. Moreover, health care administrators face the task of fostering a culture of teamwork and ensuring that all team members are aligned in their goals to improve care delivery. Addressing these challenges requires not only a focus on resources and policies but also cultivating an environment where health care professionals can collaborate effectively and prioritize patient-centered care.