Prepared for the First Breath: Exploring Health Care Providers’ Perspective in Delivering Immediate Postnatal Care Through Neonatal Resuscitation Program
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.V2.I3.827Keywords:
Clinical Competence, Healthcare Providers, Immediate Postnatal Care, Neonatal Resuscitation, Neonatal Resuscitation Program, Phenomenology, Preparedness, Simulation-Based Training, Teamwork and CommunicationAbstract
This study explored the perspectives of healthcare providers in delivering immediate postnatal care through the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP). Guided by an Input–Process–Output framework and supported by Benner’s Novice to Expert Theory, Roy’s Adaptation Model, and Watson’s Theory of Human Caring, the study examined healthcare providers’ preparedness in terms of knowledge, clinical competence, confidence, decision-making, teamwork, and the challenges and facilitating factors encountered during neonatal resuscitation. A descriptive qualitative phenomenological research design was employed. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews using a researcher-developed interview guide validated by three experts. Purposive sampling was used to recruit healthcare providers directly involved in neonatal resuscitation from a private healthcare facility in Cagayan de Oro City. Data were analyzed using Colaizzi’s phenomenological method, with member checking conducted to enhance the credibility of the findings. The findings revealed that healthcare providers considered preparedness a combination of theoretical knowledge, technical competence, emotional resilience, sound clinical judgment, and effective teamwork. Continuous NRP training, simulation-based learning, and hands-on clinical experience strengthened participants’ confidence and competence, while adherence to standardized protocols and collaborative communication enabled timely, evidence-based decision-making during neonatal emergencies. The study concludes that effective delivery of immediate postnatal care depends on competent healthcare providers, continuous professional development, institutional support, and coordinated teamwork. It recommends strengthening standardized neonatal resuscitation practices through regular competency-based training, simulation exercises, structured debriefing, and sustained support for neonatal health services. The study supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals by promoting quality neonatal care, continuous professional learning, and interprofessional collaboration. Its sustainability impact lies in strengthening institutional capacity, evidence-based clinical practice, workforce development, and collaborative healthcare systems that contribute to improved neonatal outcomes and the quality of maternal and newborn healthcare services.
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