Background: The Introduction of WHO Labour care Guide (LCG)- “the next generation partograph” resulted from the inefficiencies observed from the currently used labour monitoring tool (Modified WHO Partograph). In 2018 the World Health Organisation developed the WHO LCG to be tested in 12 sites within 6 countries, including Tanzania. The aim of this presentation is to highlight the challenges and facilitators of using the WHO Labour Care Guide found during pilot testing from two sites in Tanzania.
Methodology: The pilot study followed qualitative and quantitative methods using Focus Group discussions and questionnaires respectively. Twenty 0ne (21) Healthcare providers composed of 20 midwives and 1 doctor were interviewed while with low- risk pregnancies participated. A total of 200 women were managed in two sites.
Findings: The new tool included practical and logistical challenges including heavy workloads leading to errors, equipment and supply issues and the need for regular capacity building for users. However, there were more facilitators/ benefits of the LCG. The structure supports timely and more accurate recordings of observations; positive perceptions of midwives’ ability to become more responsive to each mothers’ unique labour, person centred care is strengthened, opportunity of midwives to have shared decision making and make plans of care ahead and that the WHO LCG reduces unnecessary interventions with and opportunity of autonomy in shared decisions among the team of healthcare providers and the woman. Participants in the pilot study perceived that all these benefits will ultimately prevent mismanagement of mothers.
Recommendations: Training of all health providers conducting births is necessary with content to cover basics of labour and birth updates. Where possible this should be conducted using local language. Virtual and self -directed training may be a challenge to rural providers. Finally, the country is encouraged to adapt/adopt the use WHO labour care guide, however routine auditing should be considered.