Assessing use of the Safe Childbirth Checklist in tertiary hospitals in Ibadan, Nigeria

Background/Aims Despite attempts to reduce the incidence of maternal and child morbidity and mortality in Nigeria, rates are still high. The World Health Organization's Safe Childbirth Checklist is a tool for healthcare professionals to ensure they perform the necessary care that is known to reduce the risk of preventable maternal and newborn deaths, as well as improve the quality of maternal care and the overall birth experience. This study aimed to assess the use of the checklist, including how appropriate and adaptable it was, in tertiary hospitals of Ibadan, Nigeria. Methods This mixed-methods study used an explanatory quantitative and qualitative approach. A total of 107 nurses and midwives working in the obstetric unit of two tertiary hospitals were assessed on their knowledge of the checklist using a structured questionnaire and observational checklist. A further 20 participated in a focus group discussion, with an interview guide, on the checklist's adaptability and appropriateness. Quantitative data were using descriptive statistics and the qualitative data were analysed thematically. Results Only 13.1% of participants were aware of the Safe Childbirth Checklist before training, with 54.2% deemed to have adequate knowledge of the tool's components. After training, it was found that the checklist had been used in 65.5% of births between January and March 2024, and completed adequately in 94.3% of these cases. The majority of participants described the tool as adaptable, attractive and readable, although there were some challenges to using it, including the time needed to complete it and the high workload. Conclusions The World Health Organization's Safe Childbirth Checklist was found to be user-friendly and adaptable to practice in Ibadan, Nigeria. The study identified a clear gap in the use and correct application of the tool to practice. Implications for practice Implementation of the checklist promotes high-quality care, but is challenging when workloads are high and there are staff shortages. Healthcare professionals should be familiarised with the checklist's benefits and content before it is implemented to ensure they understand how to use it to complement existing practices and promote positive outcomes.