Nurses’ perceptions of quality within the neonatal continuum of care: A qualitative approach using Donabedian’s Conceptual Framework

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. The aim of this study was to analyse nurses’ perception related to the quality of the neonatal continuum of care, using 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), observations and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Results: Two categories of criteria relating to structure and process were identified by nurses. Structure criteria included Human resources and resources; and process criteria included technical quality, interpersonal development and nurse-patient relationship. Conclusion: To ensure 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.