The Image of Nurses and Midwives in Ghana

Patient and Family Perspectives

Bibliographic Data

ID15736620
AuthorsLillian Akorfa Ohene (0000-0002-5837-9311, University of Ghana, corresponding author), Angela Kwartemaa Acheampong (0000-0002-7622-9675, Wisconsin International University College), Gladys Dzansi (0000-0002-6036-811X, University of Ghana), Josephine Kyei (University of Ghana), Charles Ampong Adjei (0000-0002-8272-2546, University of Ghana), Samuel Adjorlolo (0000-0001-9308-6031, University of Ghana), Isabella Naana Akyaa Asante (The Forestry Commission of Ghana), Philomena Woolley (The Forestry Commission of Ghana), Felix Nyante (Ministry of Health), Lydia Aziato (0000-0002-7813-5525, University of Health and Allied Sciences)
Year2022
Volume9
Pages23333936221137584-23333936221137584
Publication date2022-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueGlobal Qualitative Nursing Research (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2333-3936 • E-ISSN: 2333-3936
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/23333936221137584
PMID36439292
OpenAlexW4310466758
LanguageEN
References cited3

This study aims to explore the perceptions of patients and family caregivers on the image of nurses and midwives in Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative exploratory descriptive approach. A total of 25 participants were interviewed during data collection. Content and thematic analysis were applied in the data analysis to develop themes. The findings are captured under two major themes that describe the primary influences on participant images of nurses: Thus, (1) nurses' and midwives' attributes with four subthemes; staff appearance, communication strategies and behaviors, work attitudes, and professional competence and (2) patients' status and subthemes were; uneducated poor and educated rich. We conclude that patients and families in Ghana recognize the professional attributes of the nurse and midwife, which reflect in their personality, grooming, communication, competencies, and attitudes. However, low publicity of the professional roles of nurses and midwives may have negative repercussions for their professional image. A policy to perform a regular public audit on the image of the Nurse/Midwife is important for professional advancement

Competence (human resources · Data collection · Publicity · Qualitative research · Sociology · Thematic analysis · Communication in Education and Healthcare · Healthcare Education and Workforce Issues · Medicine · Nursing · Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare · Psychology · Social Psychology