Community-based postnatal care model: Catalyst for management of mothers and neonates.

BACKGROUND:  Early postnatal discharge is perceived as a factor that contributes to the possibilities of the maternal, neonatal complications and deaths. The implementation of the community-based postnatal care model is crucial to mitigate the morbidity and mortality of postnatal women and neonates during the first weeks of delivery. A community-based postnatal care model was developed for the management of neonates during the postnatal care period in the community. OBJECTIVES:  The study aims to share the developed community-based postnatal care model that could assist postnatal women in the management of neonates. METHOD:  Empirical findings from the main study formed the basis for model development. The model development in this study was informed by the work of Walker and Avant; Chinn and Kramer Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach; and Chinn and Jacobs. RESULTS:  The results indicated that there was no community-based postnatal care model developed to manage neonates. The model is described using the practice theory of Dickoff, James and Wiedenbach elements of agents, recipients, context, process, dynamics and outcomes within the community context of the postnatal care period. The model was further described by Chinn and Krammer following the assumptions of the model, concept definition, relation statement and nature of structure. CONCLUSION:  The utilisation of the model is critical and facilitates the provision of an enabling and supportive community-based context by primary caregivers for the effective management of neonates.Contribution: This study provides a reference guide in the provision of community-based postnatal care by postnatal women after discharge from healthcare facilities.

Concept analysis: Community-based postnatal care.

BACKGROUND:  Community-based postnatal care is a valuable resource in the provision of maternal and neonatal care, specifically outside the hospital environment. However, its application in maternal and neonatal care is not clearly documented in relation to the rendering of services by primary caregivers. OBJECTIVES:  This study clarifies the concept of 'community-based postnatal care' by using the concept analysis method. METHOD:  To analyse the concept, relevant literatures were reviewed and analysed using the Walker and Avant method, namely, selecting a concept, determining the purpose of analysis, identifying all uses of the concept, defining attributes, identifying a model case, identifying borderline, related and contrary cases, identifying antecedents and consequences and identifying the empirical referents. Characteristics that repeatedly appeared throughout the literature were noted and categorised. RESULTS:  It was established from the concept analysis that 'community-based postnatal care' was complex and experienced ethnically. The analysis included that primary caregiver participation was based on home-levelled-skilled care, community participation and mobilisation, linkages of health services and community stakeholders. The attributes were influenced by antecedents and consequences. CONCLUSION:  The empirical referents of community based can be integrated within the midwifery guidelines to measure the concept. When concepts are understood, self-care on early detection, early management and referral during early postnatal care will be enhanced.Contribution: The results of this study will foster independence, confidence and a respectful relationship between primary caregivers and the health care facility staff. The results are expected to guide future research and enhance community-based postnatal care in midwifery practice.